Art of Vision

2009-11-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

2009-11-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Kaitland's wedding was, well fabulous.

2009-10-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth Rose and Michael's Engagement Session

When God made Elisabeth Rose He threw away the mold and Michael is right there with her.

All brides are special to me but Elisabeth Rose is double, extra special. Not only does she second shoot with me and is Richard Israel Photography's Super 8 girl she is also like a member of our family, my girls think she is totally cool and Beth and I do too.

2009-10-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most frustrating things for me is shooting an amazing bridal portrait session with an absolutely gorgeous girl like Blair and having to wait months to show it off.

Blair and Scott were married on 9/3. Be looking out for her fabulous Super 8 wedding film shot by Elisabeth Rose which we'll post very soon .

2009-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Lindsey and Stephen got married at the the Colleton River Plantation, Hilton Head, SC.
Our first wedding of the fall season and wow!!! Lindsey and Stephen's families and friends were amazing and made us feel like we were part of the family. The bride was gorgeous and the groom was fun. What more could a humble wedding photographer ask for:-))

for film and cameras used check out my I love film blog

2009-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Seth.
Seth is a musician, praise and worship leader, a surfer, a man of God, a man of integrity and an awesome photographer.

2009-09-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

The lovely Burton girls shot at a recent Peek a Boo Couture shoot

2009-08-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is beautiful Tori, at the tender age of 21 she runs the children's ministry, is the praise and worship leader at the Branch Family Church, made 3 CD's and is my girl's hero.

2009-08-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm making a point of photographing many the amazing young women at our church, they all have a story to tell. Meet Carrie, bursting with personality, super talented with fashion and design, beautiful, free spirited and in love with God and Justin.

Her tattoo symbolizes new beginnings.

2009-08-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wedding Film from Richard Israel on Vimeo.

I love to try new things, no, I have to try new things to keep myself fresh and inspired, right now I'm working with a vintage Polaroid camera, have become reacquainted with large format photography and now my latest passion, Super 8 movies. I shot this movie along side my BFF Kristin Vining at one of her recent fabulous weddings.

I absolutely love the old home movie, grainy retro chic look, and all of it's charming imperfections.
Many thanks to my 'bro Matt Francis of Dreamlight Films for putting together the final touches for me and to Lindsay and Blake for giving me the opportunity to stretch a little.

Be on the look out for more Francis-Israel projects.

2009-08-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

This is my friend Tara, she's not only beautiful, an awesome mother and wife she also runs an amazing ministry Reach Out Orphanage, look out for some special fund raising photo events we'll be working on together in the next couple of months.

2009-08-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Christy and Rodney's wedding are featured on Style Me Pretty today.
If you've never checked out Style Me Pretty do so, it's without compare.

2009-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from our fun, fun shoot with Peek a Boo Couture for their upcoming fashion show

2009-07-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Peek a Boo Couture

I am very excited to announce our partnering with Peek A Boo Couture Charlotte's hippest and coolest kids clothing boutique. We'll be working with them on lots of exciting projects including the upcoming Paparazzi Party! on August 21st and the Back to School Fashion Show on August 28th for full details contact Candace at 704.332.5338.

Our first collection together was a true Israel family effort, the girls were just amazing, Beth did a phenomenal job with hair, make up and styling and Natasha (my niece) was the perfect assistant

2009-07-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are very few things in life that are more precious than watching brand new parents in a state of wonder and amazement with their brand new baby.
I shot Jolene and Greg's wedding a few years back, being invited to witness and capture the other great milestones in their lives is truly an honor.

2009-07-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

A storyboard from Andrea and Jon's fabulous vintage inspired wedding in Denver, NC.
Michelle of Magnolia Events' fabulous design made this a truly memorable wedding. Special thanks to my lovely assistant Elisabeth Rose who constantly blows me away.

2009-07-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Kristen and Chris

Another great recipe. two people head over heels in love + loving friends + adoring family= perfect wedding.

2009-07-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Israel family love the home grown tomato

The humble tomato, not the mealy tasteless ones that can be at found at most supermarket's but the giant odd shaped, juicy variety which are grown in gardens all over America.

This week we've eaten tomato sandwiches, with, mayonnaise and fresh basil. Made bruschetta over pasta. Tonight I'll make salsa, by adding lime juice, home grown cucumber and lots of cilantro, served over rice. Yum, Yum.
some great recipes at Project Foodie

2009-06-29T07:18:00.001-07:00

At last I've got my etsy.com store up and running, this is my initial upload, over the next few days I'll be fully stocked. Feel free to buy lots of prints:-)

2009-06-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Talking of remarkable things, 15 years ago the part of Charlotte where I now live was all beautiful countryside and has now been transformed into the typical suburban sprawl, chain restaurants, supermarkets, nail salons and other assorted uninspiring generic establishments (with the exception of Trader Joe's which is awesome) and now behold an oasis in our midst, a produce stand.

Fresh flowers, big juicy tomatoes and every summer vegetable and fruit you can imagine all grown locally and good, good people to serve you.

2009-06-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more irksome and a total bore to me than mediocrity, on the other hand I get so, so excited when I discover something remarkable such as this incredible and inspiring lady, introduced to me by my friend Andy Jackson of Portal Films who himself is a remarkable artist.

Her name is Jenifer Altman, take time to check out her blog Nektar and Light and her photography website. I can't stop looking at it....

2009-06-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

I had a ridiculously good time shooting Kaitland and Jay's engagement session at an undisclosed location in South Carolina, this area is full of history and natural untouched beauty. Gothic church ruins, pirates, stories of hidden treasure, wild animals and a fun and great looking couple.

2009-06-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is my very cute neice Lidiya shot at the beach last week. She was born in China but speaks with a Cherryville accent, very cool:-)

2009-06-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

My new friend Gary Beams' family entered The Kat 96.9 competition to have Kellie Pickler perform a mini concert in their backyard. They won.
Kellie sang her heart out, is incredibly talented and was very, very sweet.

2009-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of shooting my buddy Matt Francis' beautiful family in celebration of their new arrival due anytime now.

Matt is not only a great friend he's also an amazing wedding film maker, check out his work, and he's the founder of The Savvy Bride.

2009-06-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

The big moment

Being the flower girl is huge

2009-06-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Taylor and Keith's Elegant Wedding

High school sweethearts and in love.

photographers note: Ilford 3200, rated at 2000, Nikon F100, 35mm 2.0 lens

2009-05-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

A few of the wonderful things Jodie Pannell has done with my photography....

2009-05-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Pannell Girls

I love going to my clients homes and getting to see what they do with my pictures, it also puts into perspective how precious those moments are, you'll never get them back to that age again. Ever.

2009-05-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Randy

This has to be one of the sweetest weddings ever, seven in attendance including me. Melissa and Randy's ceremony took place under a tree in Freedom Park. Awesome....

2009-05-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Lorraine and Saunders' wedding is featured on Style Me Pretty today.Yeah !!! Style Me Pretty is considered by many to be the ultimate wedding blog Abby Larson and her friends are amazing and really know their stuff, for wedding ideas and who's who you need not look any further. Unlike most online wedding resources vendors in the Little Black Book are limited to just a few per category, stringently researched and have to be recommended by participating LBB folks.

BTW. I'm in the Savannah directory for those Hilton Head weddings:-)

2009-05-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Bridal Portrait in Asheville, NC.

Kristen (above) her mum and I successfully dodged the rain found the end of the rainbow (for real) and had an amazing shoot on the Blue Ridge Parkway this last weekend.

There has been quite a buzz about my return to analog photography recently and film photography in general really seems to be creating quite an interest with clients and photographers alike.
Style Me Pretty have just posted a story check it out here.

2009-05-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

A Wonderful Family

Teresa, John and Nicole Fetch are truly one of the most lovely families ever. Nicole is one of Ferris' bff's and Teresa and John are the most faithful and serving people I've ever met.
What a privilege it is to do life with them

2009-05-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Interview

Check out my interview on my friend and fellow film shooter Tanja Lippert's Keep Film Alive blog, be sure to also check out Tanja's work she is truly an amazing photographer a wonderful lady and an inspiration to me.

2009-05-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Carrie and Pat

Pictures speak louder than words (as they say)

2009-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Super 8 Film

Check out my friend Lindsey of Black Daffodil Films awesome vintage super 8 film that she shot with Rodney and myself at Caroline and Chads wedding in March.

Lindsey describes her passion best: soulful art of wedding and event cinematography. I am a hopeless romantic with a heart for the vintage, stylish, original and YES--imperfect.

Killer stuff Lindsey

2009-05-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

moments found

Christy and Rodney's beautiful wedding at the fabulous William Aiken House in Charleston.
Once again the girls at A Charleston Bride did a phenomenal job with the design and getting us the best vendor meals ever.

note: I had better go easy on the adjectives, it's not even June yet and I've almost used up my supply:)

2009-05-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Meet Liz

I was trying to think of all the nice things to say about our new right hand woman, like what an amazing photographer she is etc. All I really need to say is Liz just gets it!

2009-05-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Hear Me

I was recently interviewed by Scott Sheppard for Inside Analog Photo Radio.
You can listen or download it here.

If you need more analog inspiration check out my I Luv Film blog.

2009-04-29T03:52:00.000-07:00

I think I'm supposed to blow my own horn

For some reason the British hate to brag but...I've been named Charlotte Magazines 2009 Best of the Best Kids and Family Photographer, I'm actually quite flattered and very honored. Thank you!

2009-04-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

A special shout out to Tiffany and Kristin of Weddings and the City for their amazing design on Nina and James' wedding and to The Place for Fowers for the awesome floral design. Killer stuff..

2009-04-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Nina and James' wedding day at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens was as perfect as it could be, the girls at Weddings And The City did a truly amazing job with the design
Nina and James' overflowing love and excitement really made the day for me, after all is'nt that what it's all about.

2009-04-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

Lorraine and Sanders wedding at the Legare-Waring House in Charleston this past Saturday was as about as perfect as it gets, a gorgeous bride, a handsome groom, fun and loving family and friends + incredible wedding design by Melissa Barton of A Charleston Bride and wonderful Liz my assistant.

2009-03-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first of two posts from the very elegant Thomas wedding starring Caroline and Chad at The Citadel and The Mills House in Charleston.

This was the first full bore Slate + Israel team shoot featuring Rodney Slate, yours truly and Lindsey Slate Broere shooting vintage Super 8 film.

2009-03-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is 6 month old Amelia, who is just about as cute as it gets and she has the coolest hair on any baby I've ever seen.

2009-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite shots from yesterdays engagement session with Carrie and Pat. No need to feel nervous about you upcoming session, relax get all lovey dovey and have fun.

2009-03-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

This storyboard is from Nina and James engagement session, the bench is where James proposed.

2009-03-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Miss Ella Grace is One.....

2009-03-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

A few maternity shots of the beautiful Sabrina and her hubby, she is an amazing hair stylist and is the owner / creative director of the Orange Olive salon in NODA

2009-03-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

These two cute, cute boys belong to my friend Marcello who by the way is an amazing photographer and designer.

2009-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Can't have one without the other, some vintage Tin Type Sophia.

2009-03-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ferris did a book report on Eleanor Roosevelt and presented it today in full period clothes and hair.
These shots were taken at 8:00 this morning just before I took her to school, thought I'd do a little pseudo wet plate photography, not exactly period accurate but close enough.

However, this summer I will be offering alternative process photography for my portrait clients. Details soon.

2009-03-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorites from my friend Michael and his beautiful bride Kate's wedding in Fort Worth, Texas. Michael is an amazing guitar player and plays in the band GoDeep.

2009-02-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Traci and Chris had a big time at their beautiful intimate wedding in Key West, surrounded by close family and friends.

2009-01-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been digging around the archives and found this image of Ferris ans Sophia which is one of my all time favorite pictures of the both of them, I took it perhaps 4 years ago and proudly displayed in our house. BTW. Don't be satisfied with looking at your photos on a computer screen print them and enjoy them, every day.

This weekend we're shooting a gorgeous wedding in Key West + Beth and I get to have a mini vacation. Yeah!!!

2009-01-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

I posted this slideshow last year, worth another look I think...

2009-01-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Kristen Vining and I are getting ready to launch a Pictage Users Group here in Charlotte and had the opportunity of going to Asheville and participating in and share with the the brilliant Asheville PUG plus we got to see snow.

2009-01-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

Taylor and Keith's e-session on a beautiful rainy day... downtown Concord

2009-01-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to a joyful, healthy and prosperous 2009 for all my friends and clients.
Here's a little nod to 2008

2008-12-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Katie is having a baby soon....

2008-12-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few from this mornings Teen Session with Olivia...

2008-12-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

This is the very beautiful and glowing Charyl Witt. Charyl is the kindergarten teacher at the girl's school and we all love and appreciate her very much....

2008-12-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

A few shots of my friend and fellow photographer Kristen Vining's beautiful family + one of my faves from a couple of weeks ago when we photographed each other.

2008-12-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

My amazing girls...

2008-12-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Another quest for pure and authentic...

2008-12-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Ella Grace is 9 months, and getting cuter each time I photograph her.

2008-12-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Slate + Israel and the Ancient Art of Weaving.

Like Mick and Keith, Bono and The Edge, Johnny and June amazing chemistry happens when Rodney Slate and I work together.

2008-12-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Cute or what, Miss Priscilla and a beagle puppy. Should we get one? (puppy that is, we've already got a Priscilla)

Photographers Note: Mamiya 645, 80mm 1.9, Kodak Portra bw 400

2008-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

A few marvelous seniors from recent sessions, I love shooting in the winter, reminds me of home...

2008-11-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

A few classic and timeless kids shots.....

2008-11-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

Kelly and Artur are married!!! Every wedding that I shoot there are hundreds of wonderful moments, most of the shots I choose for this blog are images that when I shot them I knew...

2008-11-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

Ellen and Tom's fabulous wedding at the Mint Museum. The tributes to Ellen's parents in the form of a single rose on a chair and their wedding pictures were truly moving.
A big shout out to my friend Heather Bryson of Weddings and the City for the incredible wedding design.

2008-11-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting caught up with my blog posts, I've been shooting like a mad man with tons of portrait and engagement sessions and my last 2 weddings of the season.
Here are a few from recent family shoots, lots more coming....

2008-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've been itching to post these portraits of Kelly for sometime now, her wedding was yesterday so the coast is clear, I'll have shots from her amazing wedding posted this week.

2008-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

These two cute and fun loving little boys are George and Thomas, their Mimi owns one of my all time favorite restaurants Magnolia's in Charleston.

2008-10-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Lily and Robinson's engagement session, they are absolutely the sweetest couple...

2008-10-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

A nod to my favorite guest at Brittani's wedding, her grandfather Frank who almost stole the show on more than one occasion, he is an amazing man and not just because he thought I was 21. Frank is 87 years old and a world war 2 veteran. Go Frank....

2008-10-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Brittani's wedding, pictures speak louder than words.....

2008-10-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my faves from Brittani's portrait session. The location, a very cool loft condo downtown, complete with a roof garden. I loved shooting with Brittani and especially with Ivy Robinson who like myself comes from a fashion background, it felt very much like working in London, lots of energy and a trading of ideas.

2008-10-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the Drucker and Linderman boys from recent sessions, I've been shooting both sets of boys for several years, well 2 years for the extremely cute Druckers as they're only two. The Lindermans put me in mind of characters from a Mark Twain story.

2008-10-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

This shout out goes to Candice, Samantha and Bryan at Potion the place for make up and skin care junkies. Check them out for your portrait and wedding make up. These are a few shots from their recent event.

2008-10-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

News and Notes

A special shout out to my friend, fellow photographer and someone whom I admire greatly, Kristen Vining. She's an awesome and passionate photographer, she is a wife, a mum (twins) and owns and runs two very successful business's Kristen Vining Photography and Weddings and the City.

2008-09-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

We shot another fabulous wedding in Charlotte last week at St Mary's chapel and the City Club with the very beautiful Joy and her handsome groom Tony, I shot quite a bit of film and I'm loving it, I feel like I've come home.

Thank you Jose for the encouragement and inspiration.

2008-09-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

A few shots from little Miss Nell's shoot, her favorite princess is Cinderella and she loves to talk.

2008-09-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

Need some inspiration for your wedding, check out Kathryn Storke's truly amazing blog Snippet and Ink, Kathryn has put together an incredible amount of information and showcases amazing work from some of the best wedding vendors in the country.

2008-09-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited that we've been asked to join Style me Pretty's Little Black Book. This is a handpicked list of the very best wedding professionals from around the country with just 3 vendors in each category being invited. Amazing weddings and ideas, check it out...

2008-09-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Tori's bridal shoot. Tori is an amazing girl, not only is she beautiful, she's also an amazing singer/artist, a wonderful friend to our family and an incredible influence on our children.
Thank you Tori....

2008-08-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Good Things
oooh baby baby is a baby planning and consulting company. What wedding planners do for newly engaged couples, they do for new parents! Their services include -- customize a registry, personal shopping, consults in which car seat, stroller, crib, etc is right for you, decorate the nursery, baby proof the house and much more! So if you know someone who is expecting, or expecting yourself contact them to help you get ready for that little bundle of joy!

2008-08-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Changes
About 4 years ago before email notifications, unknown to me my domain name expired and some nice chap bought richardisrael.com so artofvision was born. A couple of weeks ago I was surfing around and lo and behold richardisrael.com was available, yeah!!!

So to cut a long story short I am once again richardisrael.com.

2008-08-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for making Saturday's Seminar such a success, I so enjoyed myself and judging from the feedback so did you. I'm REALLY looking forward to the next one.

2008-08-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward too my class this Saturday at the Light Factory, a few spots left and still time to register.

see you there...

2008-08-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Miss Ella Grace is 6 months...watch her grow, newborn and 3 months

2008-08-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

One more from Gillian and Grant's wedding, Shade, the little guy who stole the show.

2008-08-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

One the many cool elements of Gillian and Grants wedding at Freedom Park in Charlotte, was that the wedding party were kids, very cute and well behaved kids at that.

2008-07-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Some of my most favorite people in the world, Pastors Troy and Penny Maxwell and their extremely cool and hip kids Colby, Cabble and Cassidy of Freedom House Church in Charlotte, NC .

2008-07-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Kristen and Chris's engagement session in my new favorite location, downtown Concord. Lots of wonderful inspiring locations and having a great looking in love couple didn't hurt either.

2008-07-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Colton and Luke, 100% boys. Puts me in mind of Huckleberry Finn.

2008-07-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

A few shots from the beautiful / handsome Joy and Tony's e-session, as stated in an earlier blog I'm running out of superlatives so how about.... fantastique, incroyable, indescriptible.

Can't wait for the wedding.

2008-07-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

An engagement session with Tori who, is a very special friend of our family, we all love Tori especially my girls, and Grayson her fiance's not bad either.

Sophia gets to be the flower girl in her wedding, major excitement in our house, it doesn't get any bigger for an 8 year old than to be a flower girl.

2008-07-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

A few more senior shots with Mariko who actually lives in Japan and is over here doing her SAT's. She has an amazing look and is so full of life.