i've moved, new blog is here

The fabulous Kaitland's wedding was, well fabulous.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Kristen and Chris

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

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

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:-)

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.

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....

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.

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:-)

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.

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.

The big moment

Being the flower girl is huge

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

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

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.

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....

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:-)

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.

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

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.

Carrie and Pat

Pictures speak louder than words (as they say)

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

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:)

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!

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.

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!

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..