MNP Blog

May 8, 2009

A couple of weeks ago my friend Matt was in town and he asked if I'd take a few pictures of him for his website. I of course said yes. Well, Jeff and Jessica came along too and so I ended up shooting each of them for a bit.

Here's Matt:

This one didn't make it on the blog because I think it's a great image, its on the blog because I think it's really funny. We were in these amazing fields with really cool, tall grass and I thought it would be cool for Matt to sit down. Turns out it doesn't look too masculine. Hey, all the ideas can't be winners.

Now for Jessica

She definitely knows how to work it for the camera. :)

Then Jeff jumped in and decided he wanted a piece of the action too.

9 Comments Add A Comment

[May 8, 2009] Kate said:

Cuirous where this is in CA, it looks a lot like the sandhills of Nebraska! -Kate C

[May 8, 2009] ERIC COTTER said:

http://www.mnpblog.com/three_of_my_favorite_people/favpeople13.jpg GREAT SHOT. one of the best ive seen of her

[May 8, 2009] jessica claire said:

i LOVE you for making me and jeff (and matt) look so good. I can't wait for the real engagement!!! Hope you and Cyndie had a great trip to NYC and I look forward to not eating with you when we get back :) xoxoxo

[May 8, 2009] Holly said:

That Matt guy is HOT!! :) Great pictures Michael!

[May 8, 2009] jeret slack said:

CRAP!!! These are awesome love the colors and the processing... I am guessing film...:) Great job bro!

[May 9, 2009] Alicia Swedenborg said:

Oh, Jessica looks stunning! My favorite pic is the last one, so much looove! :) Awesome job, Michael. First time visiting your blog and I love your style - I'll be back!

[May 9, 2009] Emilie said:

WOW!! Great photos! Is your friend Matt single? LOL he's cute! ;) I love the photos of Jeff and Jessica. I'm a huge fan of Jessica's work and I discovered your work thanks to her blog. I've added your blog to my Google Reader and enjoy looking at your pics. Thanks! Emilie

[June 26, 2009] Karen (Mikols) Bonar said:

The 5th image of Jessica is simply STUNNING!!!!!

[July 30, 2009] tiasmith123 said:

Nice blog. Tia smith wow gold

Pasadena Engagement Photography

May 4, 2009

I just got the scans back from the film I shot at Michael and Wendy's engagement session in old town Pasadena. Man, they are beautiful. The color and skin tones of Fuji Pro 400 and 800 just blow me away. And the depth of field you get shooting medium format? There's nothing better.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

7 Comments Add A Comment

[May 4, 2009] Jarrett said:

I love it. You just cant beat 120.

[May 4, 2009] Victor Huang said:

what medium format camera do you use?

[May 4, 2009] Pete Stewardson said:

Great stuff Michael, makes me want to go hunt out a film camera myself. :)

[May 4, 2009] Heidi Ryder said:

Wow. It's no wonder the film bug is so contagious...look at how good that looks! Can't wait to see more.

[May 5, 2009] sarah k chen said:

simply gorgeous. love your work so much and film suits your style so very perfectly. i'm looking forward to seeing more of it on your blog! and btw, thanks for the referrals you've been sending. :)

[May 5, 2009] angel swanson said:

stunning!!! beautiful couple to boot~

[May 5, 2009] Jeret Slack said:

They look awesome. I love that film look. Sarah is right it really fits your style.

SUE AND ERWIN...MARRIED (THE POLAROIDS)

May 2, 2009

Dang. This was an amazing wedding with INCREDIBLE light ALL DAY. I'll share more from this wedding soon but for now check out these polaroids! I'm not really shooting them for the typical reason my people shoot polaroids (to check exposure) I just LOVE the way they look.

Here you go!

9 Comments Add A Comment

[May 3, 2009] Jeret Slack said:

dude these are kickin bro! I love that look

[May 3, 2009] Heather Sharpe said:

LOVE these photos!!! What an interesting look :)

[May 3, 2009] Kelley Lee Gin said:

*sigh* The Polaroids are gorgeous. Can't wait to view the rest of the images. klg

[May 3, 2009] Brian Khang said:

Simply awesome!

[May 4, 2009] Onada Photography said:

Love these polaroids! They give such a different feel to the photos. Can't wait to see the rest!

[May 4, 2009] amyc said:

Dang. I'm IN LOVE with that second (third, technically?) image.

[May 5, 2009] kristel wyman said:

these are fantastic! and wow, do they ever inspire me to try something different at my own weddings this year!

[May 5, 2009] Sue Choo said:

Michael, we had such a great time w/you on Sat! The polaroids are just breathtaking (and no, I'm not biased. hahha..). I can't wait for the rest!

[May 6, 2009] adam houseman said:

love the polaroids. shooting mf is so fun, scary and rewarding.

SWEET POLAROID GOODNESS

May 2, 2009

I woke up super early and couldn't get back to sleep so I hopped in the car with my Contax 645 and newly acquired Polaroid back and went out to shoot a little. I love how cool these images are and there's absolutely nothing done to them. They're cool without even trying... dust, scratches, smears and all.

My next purchase is definitely a HOLGAROID.

I saved my favorite for last!

3 Comments Add A Comment

[May 2, 2009] ken kienow said:

amazing - i've never been able to find a polaroid that will apply my watermark. lucky! ;)

[May 2, 2009] Amy Coffey said:

These are pretty flippin' cool, Norwood! You should have taken Makenzie with you. I can picture her in these shots lookin' all cute & vintage!

[May 2, 2009] Jeffrey Neal said:

Love them! I so love the look of polaroid! Can not wait to see more.

WOODSHOP: A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

May 1, 2009

Your favorite class in High School is back... minus the power tools and the creepy teacher missing 3 fingers.

Over the past months I've done a few private workshops with people from across the country. I haven't really advertised it but I've been getting so many emails about this lately I thought I'd go ahead and let you guys in on the info and open it up to everyone.

The workshops can cover anything you want... shooting, posing/directing clients, processing/photoshop, blogging, pricing, pricing for destination weddings, dealing with clients, wedding day time management... its totally up to you. We can sit and talk for the whole time or we can get outside and put your new knowledge to use in a shoot... again, its up to you.

These sessions will, for the most part, take place here in Orange County but if you're scared of flying or have a group or would just rather me come to you let me know and we can work out the travel.

Click here to register for WOODSHOP!

7 Comments Add A Comment

[May 1, 2009] Phil said:

Sweet! Check you email!

[May 1, 2009] Kelsey said:

If we come to OC for the WOODSHOP can we be honorary members of the Ladera Social Club?!

[May 1, 2009] Michael Norwood said:

Hey Kelsey, I can't promise anything but I'll do my best to get a game together while you're here. :)

[May 3, 2009] At a Later date said:

a wood shop sounds nice will the jory cordy be there? this sounds good but I do want included in movie. If we dont find a better options I think '17 Again' would be best option. how long will "wood" experience last me? and how many questions will you have during the wood experience.

[May 3, 2009] FRED EGAN said:

I'd love to do breakfast. Is morning wood offered? A full day sounds dangerous. Should I consult my Dr. if it lasts more than 4 hours?

[June 10, 2009] amy little said:

Oooo, this sounds delightful. I need to staqrt saving.....

[May 27, 2010] Shawna Brinkley said:

you are cracking me up with your posts Michael! The style Me Pretty team loves you!

Wendy and Michael... Engaged

April 28, 2009

I've been an engagement shooting machine the past 6 weeks. I have not, however, been a blogging machine. I'll catch up though.

For you photographers out there... I used some custom blogging actions made by my friends Craig and Chip, over at Studio563, to resize, sharpen, add my logo to the images and composite the verticals into one image. It easily cut my blog preparation time to 10% of what it was before. I know they're not quite ready for the public yet but shoot them an email and they'll let you know when you can get your own.

Here are a few images from Michael and Wendy's engagement session in old town Pasadena.

10 Comments Add A Comment

[April 28, 2009] bobbi said:

She's pretty. He's handsome. I'm pretty, you should photograph me, too. ;) Rockin' shots yo!

[April 28, 2009] brad peters said:

I like it when you blog! Keep it up. Go for five this month!!

[April 29, 2009] Edmund Prieto said:

Great job man, I really like the ones with the glass window.

[April 29, 2009] chipgillespie said:

Sweet shoot, man! And thanks for the love!

[April 29, 2009] Jeret Slack said:

Great shoot love the location and lighting. And cute couple always helps to.

[April 30, 2009] Chad Banning said:

Love the shot of him nuzzling in her neck.

[April 30, 2009] Kayla said:

These are all fabulous! Great colors and lighting! Awesome!

[April 30, 2009] amyc said:

Love these, Michael! I also LOVE the one of him "nuzzling" her neck.

[May 5, 2009] Wendy said:

Thank you so much Michael! Your work is amazing. Michael and I really appreciate it :)

[May 5, 2009] Jamie said:

Wendy is a coworker and friend and these photographs capture her and Michael perfectly. They are beautiful! Wonderful work!

Sue and Erwin... Engaged

April 22, 2009

I shot Sue and Erwin last week and almost canceled the shoot due to the weather. It started out overcast but ended up being gorgeous by the end of the shoot. I'm so glad we went ahead with it. Here are a few favorites from the session.

14 Comments Add A Comment

[April 22, 2009] Sara said:

Absolutely gorgeous..as always! --Cousin Sara

[April 22, 2009] Brian Khang said:

You rocked it dude! There's something about tall yellow flower fields that are awesome!

[April 22, 2009] SUERWIN said:

OMG!! Who is this deliciously HOT couple?!! LOL. Michael, these look absolutely fantastic. You can't even tell that it rained earlier that day. Can't wait to see the rest... You made the shoot so fun that we totally forgot about the weather.

[April 22, 2009] Kelley Lee Gin said:

Michael, you did an amazing job capturing Sue and Erwin. I look forward to working with you in a few weeks! klg

[April 22, 2009] Kip said:

Wow, cute couple and nice set. The low-angle, vertical orientation smooch shot is magic.

[April 23, 2009] Kayla said:

I love these! They are all so sweet! Great location!

[April 23, 2009] Daniel Lateulade said:

You're right -- that weather got awesome!

[April 23, 2009] Navy Sou said:

Hey! It's the infamous "secret location"! Lol! Great shoot and I love the couple's first outfit!!

[April 24, 2009] amy boring said:

Lovely. I am tempted to ask where you are. I assume in the hills by your house.. Love the bridge and I wish the yellow flowers stayed forever!

[April 24, 2009] Muriel said:

Beautiful portraits. Love the location (do tell!) And Weezer! =)

[April 25, 2009] Kyle Burnell said:

Gorgeous photos! I wish I could find locations with fields of flowers, guess I should keep looking :)

[April 27, 2009] Chad Banning said:

I agree with Kip - the kiss shot is sooooo cool!!

[April 28, 2009] Jeremy Gilliam said:

What a sweet location, and fantastic work as always!

[April 29, 2009] Li W. said:

Sigh, so friggin beautiful...

Makenzie

April 12, 2009

This week I took Makenzie out for a few minutes to shoot in the hills near our house. I love living here... there's nowhere better. Here are a few of my favorites.

23 Comments Add A Comment

[April 12, 2009] monique said:

Stinkin' adorable! A lovely place too!

[April 12, 2009] bobbi said:

Makenzie, you're beautiful! :) Awesome photos Michael!

[April 12, 2009] Kayleen T. said:

I love the one of her jumping! Is she your daughter? She is adorable!

[April 12, 2009] Taylor said:

Amazing shots, as always! Your shot of her jumping turned out freakin' awesome! Much better than mine did :)

[April 12, 2009] joyful weddings and events said:

She is so stinkin cute!

[April 12, 2009] Kayla said:

These are so adorable! Love the last one!

[April 12, 2009] Tina said:

Recently stumbled upon your blog. Just wanted to drop a note to say that your work is absolutely stunning and really inspirational to me and my photography.

[April 12, 2009] spaghettipie said:

Recently stumbled upon your blog. Your work is absolutely stunning and an inspiration to me in my own photography.

[April 12, 2009] brad peters said:

great, personal shots, Michael! Would love to know the camera settings on the backlit one of her jumping down to the road!

[April 12, 2009] Jeret Slack said:

That one of her jumping is kickin..

[April 13, 2009] Craig D said:

WOW!! She is beautiful Michael. Those hills are pretty amazing as well. Forget the beach. I love that road in the last two shots! She is gorgeous and only to be rivaled by the The Wee One :) LAter bro.

[April 13, 2009] Chad Banning said:

The shot of her jumping is so amazing! I can't believe how happy it makes me feel. Thanks so much for sharing Michael!!

[April 13, 2009] jodi said:

these are just plain gorgeous.

[April 13, 2009] Tiffany said:

Adorable! She is beautiful and so is your location!

[April 13, 2009] allan z. said:

Makenzieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...great stuff norwood! miss you guys in NYC!

[April 14, 2009] Holly said:

What a beautiful little girl!

[April 15, 2009] imthiaz houseman said:

she is so cute!!

[April 15, 2009] Navy Sou said:

Awwww...tooo cute!!!!

[April 16, 2009] Omar Tan said:

Wow, amazing. Love how you got the color and the girl looks like she is the happiest girl on earth :D My favs are the jump shot, the right one next to it and the above photo where she was looking towards the horizon or something.

[April 20, 2009] Dominoe Imus said:

Oh wow, she is a gorgeous little girl. Beautiful images!

[April 21, 2009] kim le said:

so cute! where is this location or is it top secret?! :)

[April 29, 2009] Tim Halberg said:

dude... that shot of her jumping into the road is EPIC!!! LOVE it!!!

[March 16, 2010] Ruben said:

I guess most of us like the "jumping" or better "flying" capture. I just love how she has her arms back, like wings! Too cute.

Lori and Jackson... Engaged

April 11, 2009

I shot Lori and Jackson's engagement photos a few weeks ago down in Chinatown and Olivera Street. We had a blast hanging out and then they introduced me to some legitimate Chinese food. Lori's a super talented graphic designer for Element skateboards so I'm really excited to see what she comes up with for their wedding at Strawberry Farms in a couple of months. Can't wait!

5 Comments Add A Comment

[April 11, 2009] Amber Hughes said:

Super cute session! Love the location... only now I want nachos and churros :D

[April 11, 2009] kristel wyman said:

that light is fantastic, and all the photos are adorable!!

[April 11, 2009] brad said:

great shots! I love how you use the environment around the couple. thanks for posting again!

[April 13, 2009] imthiaz houseman said:

I love the last two...what a cute couple!

[April 23, 2009] Jenny McCann said:

Hi Michael! I just L-O-V-E that shot with the blouses. It's awesome!

Jeff and Jessica... Engaged!

April 7, 2009

On Saturday about 238 lies were told... and that was just the tip of the iceberg. It took about 30 people to pull off the elaborate rouse that kept the incredibly nosy Jessica Claire from finding out that my brother, Jeff was going to propose. Whether it was clandestine trips across country to ask her father's permission under the guise of "work trips", fake bachelor's parties in Vegas, or Hudson Lyon's birthday party being "canceled" at the last minute... it took a lot of work.

At about 6:15 that evening it all paid off though with Jessica being completely and utterly surprised. Cyndie and I were in charge of getting here there. We said we were having dinner with some friends down on Balboa.

If the images have my name and logo on them I took them, if they don't my good friend Victor Sizemore took them.

Here's Jessica as we turned the corner saying, "Jeff took me here once."

Here's where Jess noticed Jeff standing by the ferris wheel. You can see the confusion in her face because she'd just talked to Jeff on the phone and he told here him and his friends were "off to play some blackjack." Haha!

After it was official I jumped on the ferris wheel to take a few fun images of them.

We ended the night with dinner at the pier with about 30 of our closest friends and family. It was an amazing night.

Congratulations guys! I love you both so much and I'm so happy for you!

14 Comments Add A Comment

[April 7, 2009] Amy Boring said:

I love it they are so very cute together. Great images. Congratulations Jeff and Jessica!

[April 7, 2009] Anna Jaarske said:

Such a beautiful story and amazingly beautiful photos! Awwww! :)

[April 7, 2009] Kayleen T. said:

How Sweet!

[April 7, 2009] Amancay said:

very well done... great shots, and kudos for helping pull it all off!

[April 7, 2009] Sara Gwathmey said:

Congratulations to them both! How exciting! Love, Sara (your cousin in San Antonio)

[April 7, 2009] Michelle Sidles said:

That's so fantastic to have play by play photos of the proposal! I'm sure she'll be SO HAPPY so many lies were told! ;) Nice!

[April 7, 2009] Mary said:

Congrats to Jessica and Jeff!!! What a cute and fun way to get engaged!! And lucky them for having you there to capture it! The ring looks beautiful!

[April 7, 2009] Fred Egan said:

This just makes me smile-haha! And I don't even get mushy over this kind of stuff [I'm emotionally confused right now]

[April 8, 2009] Tiffany Aicklen said:

Ahhhh, how fun! Love the photos, so exciting!

[April 9, 2009] imthiaz houseman said:

Oh wow! what a great series...congrats to Jeff & Jessica!

[April 10, 2009] Heather Kincaid said:

THAT is such an amazing story... how awesome to be able to document that-- and to have that documented!

[April 11, 2009] JENNIFER SKOG said:

NICE! Awesome shots and I'm so excited for you and your family!

[April 25, 2009] Kyle Burnell said:

Awesome! I love ferris wheels. The pictures came out really well and I'm sure it took a lot of effort to keep it hidden from her. Good job :)

[April 27, 2009] Mandi said:

I read her story. It was so sweet. They make the cutest couple. Great images that they will cherish always.