Jody Holman
Bio
Wanderluster, wine drinker, pro photographer and travel designer. NorCal boutique studio for weddings and portraits, but I love to discover new corners to write about, shoot, and share through creation of unique itineraries.
Stories (17/0)
The NorCal Coast
This summer I was given an opportunity to take a drive down Highway 1 to shoot some coastal scenes for a local magazine. I was expecting it to be fun, but I was honestly not expecting such raw (and cultivated) beauty. Nor was I expecting to see such a change in the coastal vistas and offerings from Pacifica to Paso Robles.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Stuck at Home? Use the Time to Capture Those Kids!
To me, there are few things in the world more fun that attempting to capture a child’s true essence with a camera- that fleeting moment that can never (especially with kids) be planned. The look that says it all, the glimpse of genuine curiosity or glee, even the tears and the tantrums, will remind us forever of the person they were and have become. And now that we have a LOT of time at home with them, take advantage!... While shooting kids is always a bit of a game of luck, here are a few tips to make it easier, whether you are a budding pro or a parent with a camera.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Photography
10 Activities To Do with Your Kids During the Covid Shut In
I am not a parent who is above bribes. Nickels, jelly beans, a few minutes of screen time- pick your poison. But I have learned that these “incentives” need to be coupled with at least a tad of interest and a skosh of engagement by your target rascal or they can fall flat.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Families
Paris with Teens
I have searched the internet over for recommendations on itineraries and activities that will appeal to teens and adults alike in Paris; there is a dearth. Since I have taken my two boys a couple of times and have more trips on the docket, I thought I would share my experiences and plans. This is my list of places and activities I have enjoyed with my boys ranging in age from 10 to 16. Typically, I make a “half-agenda”, aiming for one museum or major site per day (tickets in advance), and then let the spirit of la flânerie take over.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Yountville - Bay Area Weekend Getaway Extraordinaire
" Where to go in wine country for a day or two?", you ask. My enthusiastic reply of late is “Yountville”! With so much to offer: eats and drink within a four block area, Yountville is one of my favorite places in NorCal wine country. No designated driver? No worries; park and walk the whole town in a leisurely day. Better yet, stay the night in one of its many hotels and inns. Yountville runs high on luxury, indulgence and beauty, but maintains a quaint charm and sense of ease. It is also accessible to both Napa and Sonoma, and only about an hour from the city.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Mono Lake to Mammoth & Yosemite
Mono Lake is one of oldest lakes in existence, known in part for its bird life, evidenced by the nests on top of some tufa. Watching the gulls chase after the ground-dwelling, mass-moving sand bugs yesterday was entertainment itself. But today, it is 5:15 AM and all is still- not another soul in sight. I am mesmerized by the sounds of the birds in the water and on the tufa, flying overhead, skimming the water, disrupting the beautiful reflections on the lake as they swim towards shore. As I sit, the sun comes up over the glacier-cut hills and sets the Sierras and lake alight. It was a moment I will likely never forget.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
California Gold Country Road Trip
It is rare to have one day to oneself, not to mention four. So I set out to find the best 3 day roadtrip getaway that would be part adventure, part leisure, within a 300 mile radius of home. With 15 pages of printouts from every source I could find on the Sierras, I determined my route in part by room availability. Given the mileage I was aiming for, and the intent NOT to spend every day, all day in the car, I decided to leave the Southern Tahoe, Carson City area to another trip. But the Eastern Sierras and Highway 395, touted as an area not to miss, were beckoning me.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Bodie to Mono Lake A Road Trip of History and Beauty
I set out with 15 pages of printouts from every source I could find on the Sierras. My route was somewhat structured by available rooms, since I waited until the last minute to book. And given the mileage I was aiming for, and the intent NOT to spend every day, all day in the car, I decided to leave the Southern Tahoe, Carson City area to another trip. But the Eastern Sierras and Highway 395, touted as an area not to miss, were beckoning me.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
NorCal Coast
If you are planning a trip to California, and have time to rent a car, put the top down and enjoy the curves, take a drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco. At the first stop light, you will be in Pacifica, a small, if somewhat sprawling town that offers raw beauty that is not to miss. Below are are some of my discoveries, reviews, and beautiful places to stop- either for photos, or food, or just to take it all in.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Tips for Good Photos on Your Wedding Day
While shooting candids, capturing those unplanned, fleeting moments full of genuine emotion is my personal aim for my wedding clients, most of us want to have at least a few posed photos on our Big Day. These do not have to take a long time, and can, believe it or not, be quite fun. Typically, your photographer will help you choose a good location (or several), so as not to disrupt the flow of your event, and he or she will help you pose comfortably. But following are a few quick tips to help you and your partner increase the odds of loving your posed images:
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Marriage
Advice on Choosing a Wedding Photographer
I thought what I was asking of my wedding photographer was nothing extraordinary. I wanted a mix of black and white and color (and some sepia, which I love); lots, and I mean lots of editorial pictures; no misty, “Vaseline” images; a few formals.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Marriage
Bordeaux, France
In the attempt to have a more “off the beaten track” experience, I went to Bordeaux instead of Paris for a year during college. While there, we came to call the place “bored-o” for the lack of things to do and see, once we had exploited all we could of the area. The positive side of the experience was that we left as often as possible to see other parts of Europe, which we may not have done had we had Paris at our fingertips. Bordeaux was small, areas of it were extremely run down, and though I loved the African and Spanish influence in the food, dress, and neighborhoods, there were also places I was uncomfortable going.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
