In the Loupe | The Photography of Craig Kohlruss

Karen & Brent: Married!

Craig — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0000

Karen and Brent, whose engagement I shot last November, were married at the Buddhist Temple in downtown Fresno. Their party moved on to Pardini’s were it continued into the night. I knew shooting this wedding, I was in for a lot of fun, and Karen and Brent did not disappoint – nor did their friends or family. It was quite a blast. I only wish I could join them, but I was working too hard to capture all the unforgettable moments that happened throughout the day and night. Good thing I had the talents of Bill Haines along, who backed me up as a second shooter. On this day we had seen forecasts for rain, but as luck would have it, the drops stayed away until we went into the reception. And the sky really gave us some incredible color do do portraits of the happy couple.

More photos and a slideshow after the jump:

These next two are from Bill:

Bill got this one too:

Click the play button to watch a slideshow with more images:

Steph & Andrew

Craig — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:53:13 +0000

My first wedding of 2010 was for my friends Andrew and Stephanie who were married at the People’s Church Chapel and celebrated with pasta and chicken at Dicicco’s in Clovis. This had to be one of my more fun weddings to shoot because these two were having so much fun. They were exhausted from travelling out to California from South Dakota to be married in front of their family and friends, but you would never know it by watching them. Andrew broke out the Nerf guns as gifts for his groomsmen which took the edge off right away. And the portait session after the ceremony was such a crackup, I could barely focus. I extend my gratitude to this wonderful couple and their great family for allowing me the opportunity and the privilege to be a part of this day. It was truly an honor.

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Click the arrow to see the slideshow below:

A look back…

Craig — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:11:44 +0000

Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite wedding and engagement images from last year. It was my first full year as a photography business owner and I want to express my great appreciation to my clients, friends, fellow photographers and of course, my family for providing me with the avenues to make this year a successful one. I’m thankful for my job at the Fresno Bee where the journalism world continues to evolve. I am hopeful that it will continue to be a part of my life. Once again thanks and onward to 2010!

Nick & Lisa

Craig — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:53:12 +0000

What a cool way to end the year! Lisa and Nick’s wedding was to be the last of the year for me. I’ve had a great year and really appreciate the people I’ve been able to work with. I owe a special gratitude to Lisa and Nick who invited me to shoot their wedding at Tenaya Lodge just outside of Yosemite National Park. What a great time we had. Their wedding went off without a hitch and wasted no time getting to the reception – a party for all time! They had the coolest band on hand too, who kept playing on into the night. For all I know they were still going when I checked out the next morning. Cheers!

Slideshow:

A Day in the Life of San Joaquin city manager Cruz Ramos

Craig — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:14:18 +0000

Cruz Ramos sips a cup of coffee at Maria's restaurant before starting her day.

I was selected to spend a day with Cruz Ramos, the city manager for the tiny town of San Joaquin, by the Local Government Commission, a non-profit organization that helps small communities collaborate together with ideas to improve life for their residents. It was a great experience for me to shadow Cruz on her 10-hour day around town and across the valley on what she called “a down day.” I very much appreciate this opportunity from the LGC and my friend John Decker who recommended me for this project.

A remnant of a once flourishing agricultural hub, a vacant creamery stands at the entrance to the tiny Central Valley town of San Joaquin, CA.

Cruz Ramos takes a drive around town as she does each morning checking on the progress of improvements and potential problems.

A kitten wanders in front of a row of stores along Main Street in San Joaquin. A facade program has improved the look of the storefronts.

Cruz checks in with a crew installing new sidewalks - a plan to get people walking around town instead of taking their cars everywhere.

Cruz checks in at a meeting of city managers and administrators from small towns around the Central Valley - many suffering the same problems as San Joaquin.

Cruz listens as city administrators from surrounding towns presents ideas to a variety of problems.

Cruz is called to address the group on some ideas she has.

Never away from her Blackberry, Cruz checks messages during lunch.

A worker finishes up on a sidewalk in San Joaquin. The city is making a strong effort to curb the obesity epidemic by getting people walking again.

San Joaquin residents take advantage of a pleasant fall day to walk and ride bicycles.

Back in the office, Cruz takes care of some business before heading home for the weekend.

A sidewalk in the center of town shows decorative brickwork and lighting. Cruz Ramos, who helped get the project done says it will have a water fountain as well.

Cruz meets with her staff late in the afternoon

Cruz stops in at the VWF where community members are volunteering to serve a Thanksgiving dinner for needy families.

Cruz addresses the families and thanks some special people who came together to make it happen.

Cruz is all smiles after a successful day and a remarkable job as city manager, helping to make her community more livable for its residents.