chance

New Photography Blog

2008-08-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, we changed our photography blog as well. So this blog will no longer be updated. If you want to stay up to date with the latest sessions, click HERE. Or just view www.chancejamesblog.com

Let us know what you think!

It's finally here.

2008-08-17T23:03:00.003-07:00

I know that I’ve been talking about a wicked awesome new website forever, but I promise...it's finally here. When we first started the website we tried to be like every other photographer out there...and that was a BAD idea, because well...that's just not us. Both Chance and I are EXTREMELY different from the norm. And we wanted our visitors to understand that.

Our website is finally up and we are very proud of it. We are still making some little additions here and there just to make it more enjoyable for the viewer. Please let us know what you think. Encouraging words or even advice would be really great. Thanks to all who support us, we love you.

Please check it out. Just click HERE. If that doesn't work go to www.chancejamesphotography.com

A new blog is on the way...so keep checking in!

Help us Hallie

2008-06-16T09:40:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, Chance and I were really bored, and we wanted to try some evening pictures. We had some cool ideas for lighting and stuff we wanted to play around with. Basically we needed to find models that could meet us at 9 at night, and of course it would be nice if they were super hot. Thinking that NO ONE would want to meet us on such late notice, Hallie and Alden came to the rescue. I know Hallie from my last job and Alden is her boyfriend. They are super sweet and super fine. We didn't spend a lot of time with them, so we didn't get a lot of pictures in, but some still turned out pretty rad. Thanks guys for meeting us on such late notice, it was fun.

I love this picture, even if there are too many shadows in it!

Jon and Kelsey

2008-06-09T02:11:00.000-07:00

We love the Kleins. They are good friends of ours and since they are so hot we had to take pictures of them. Yesterday was such a beautiful day, a little warm, but the light was in just the right places. Chance experimented with lighting and exposure while Jon and Kelsey looked cool in front of the camera. As you can plainly see, looking like rock stars isn't very hard for them. We are super duper happy with these pictures. They are really different and some even look cartoon like. We are so happy Jon and Kelsey let us experiment on them to showcase a different style of photography.

We had a lot of fun and we can't wait for our session number two with them. It's gonna be killer. We love you guys and we know you'll always keep it so fresh and so clean. Kelsey, thanks for sticking that stupid sunshine song in my head all day. I'm still singing it. I loooooooooooove you. Enjoy!

check out more pictures of the Kleins at chancejamesphotography.com

Wedding : Laurie and Ryan

2008-06-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday Chance and I did our first wedding and it was sweet. Laurie and Ryan are friends of ours and we were so excited that they trusted us to shoot their wedding. It was the perfect day, the sun was out and it was nice and breezy.

Thank you Laurie and Ryan for trusting us to be a part of your special day, we had fun!

They're HERE!

2008-05-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Our first set of business cards are here so if you would like to be a doll and help us promote our biz, let us know.

Also, we are shooting a wedding today! WOOOHOOO! We will be posting some of the pictures soon. Stay classy.

Biking with Brighton

2008-05-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Chance took this picture of Brighton the other night. I couldn't stop laughing.

Hawaii

2008-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Hawaii. To check out a couple more go to chancejamesphotography.com

Business Cards!

2008-05-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

Chance designed these business cards this week. We are thinking that we are going to make a couple different styles, but here's a couple pictures of the first one. Let us know what you think, oh and if you want to take some to hand out to friends, let us know!

FRONT

BACK

Yes, we know.

2008-05-20T17:12:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, yes, we know we haven't posted anything for ages, but we want you to know we're still going strong. Chance just finished a semester at Fresno State where he was taking 21 units on top of working 40 hours a week. Not only was he working and trying to finish up school, but we have also been in the process of designing business cards, promoting our new website and just trying to get our name out there.

After we came home from Hawaii we had a photography job at an art show in Fresno. It was held at the New York Family Deli on the corner of Nees and Willow. There was music, drinks, food and art by the talented Chuck Jones, (Looney Tunes creator). Thank you to Aaryn James for recommending us and passing the job over. It turned out great.

NEW WEBSITE!

2008-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY have an official website up and running. We're so excited to have something on the Internet to showcase our stuff, other than our blog. Check out our website at chancejamesphotography.com and let us know what you think. We always love feedback. Oh, and please recommend us if you like what you see.

Yippe!

2008-05-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

We finally figured out how to post bigger pictures on our blog! Woooohoooo! We are currently working on our website and it should be up soon. Thank you to everyone that has supported us. We are blessed.

Miss Chloe

2008-04-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, April 6th, (which was my best friend Katie Coronado's birthday and also a day after our friends Jon and Kelsey's wedding), Chance and I did a 'high fashion photo shoot' with Chloe. Chloe is a dear friend of mine. I met her through a previous job and she is honestly one of the sweetest people ever. Her dad owns 300 acres of breathtaking land in Madera and we were so excited when she allowed us to use her good looks and her dad's amazing property for a shoot.

The day was perfect. It was windy enough to give that cool hair in the wind effect and the sun was shining in just the right spots. Chloe was a natural at posing. She really gave us that 'fierce emotion' we were looking for.

Thank you Chloe for your time. Thank you to Lance Tatro, (Chloe's dad), for the use of your property. And lastly, a huge shout out to Nicole Mastro for doing Chloe's makeup and making her look like a rock star. You're a blessing!

We got so many great pictures in that day, here are a couple of our favorites.

The Mayfields

2008-04-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

I was a Mayfield for almost 22 years of my life, and it was sweet. Mark and Vicky Mayfield are my crazy, loving, parents. I lived at home until Chance and I got married and it really was a great decision for me. Not only did my parents spoil me, but I also was able to have the most time with them as possible. I know that might sound silly to some people, especially twenty somethings wanting to leave the house, but it's true. I was blessed to have them surround me everyday. As I look back I think of all the things they did to make me feel loved or their goofy jokes and I'm reminded of their good hearts. They have had a huge impact on who I have become and I am forever grateful.

Chance and I had dinner with my parents last Sunday. They invited us over for some good home cookin' and afterwards Chance took a few fun pictures of them hanging out around the house. My dad is a personal trainer so he was up to do some pictures in his newly built home gym. Mom and Dad, we love you and hope you get a kick out of some of these. Thanks for being who you are.

Breann and Kris

2008-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my earlier blog, Chance and I did three sessions on Sunday and Breann and Kris were our engagement session. Breann and Kris are getting married in July of this year and we are so excited they asked us to be there to shoot them. They both are apart of our church, The Well, and are so caring and sweet. We had a blast.

Chance and I decided that this engagement session will definitely go down in the history of engagement sessions, and that's for many reasons. The first is that Breann and Kris really were so great to work with; they honestly made such great photos. Second, the third location of the day was at a laundry mat that was absolutely incredible and the pictures we took there were probably the best we've taken so far. And lastly, because when we went to the train yard we had the most amazing/ridiculous/funny/wild moment in the history of locations...ever. Let me just say police men were involved, our licenses, and an angry locomotive repair man. They rest is up to your imagination, and yes this is the second time Chance and I were asked to leave property. But hey, anything for a great picture right?

We want to thank Breann and Kris for trusting us, laughing with us and really just being so darn cool. Hope you guys enjoy them! We certainly do.

Blaire and Jake

2008-03-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very interesting, fun, slash tiring day. Chance and I shot three couples. We started the day with a casual couple shoot, then to an engagement shoot, and ended it with just some fine folks hanging out at home!

Our first couple was my brother Jacob and his girlfriend, Blaire. We started off the day a little late so we weren't able to go too many places, but we definitely got some good shots in. We had them stand in the middle of a Fresno street with beautiful towering trees, hang out on a friend's porch and lastly stand in a creepy tunnel, but it was all worth it. Thank you to my dear brother-"The Snake" and to Miss Blaire who should REALLY try out for America's Next Top Model. We love you both so much and hope you enjoy the outcome!

Mathieu Chantry James AKA Sexiness

2008-03-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

So, I know that sometimes I might come off completely annoying because I am always talking about my husband and how wonderful he is, but I just have to give credit where credit is due. I've been enjoying my 5 months of marriage so much and since Chance is starting to photograph weddings it makes me think about the meaning of 'I do.'

My hubbs, Chance, is truly my hero. He never judges me, never thinks I'm stupid, (when he clearly should), and always makes me feel secure in our marriage and his love for me. He is my spiritual leader, not always out loud, but more humbly, more genuinely. Through his actions, service and dedication to our God I trust that Chance will protect me, us and our faith. He never makes me feel less than, or ungodly, or ugly. He rises me up and makes me feel so important. It's bizarre knowing I have his heart. I am so lucky. We laugh together, act silly together and basically make sure we say "I freaking love you" at least four times a day.

I don't know if I'm coming off like the typical newlywed bride, but if i am i apologize. I know I'm not an expert, and many people would disagree with what I'm about the say, and that's ok, because I don't want to act like I know all. But let me go ahead and say that marriage is a holy thing. It wasn't invented by our country or the world for that matter. Marriage was God's idea. It was and still is meant to be an act of service to each other. If you and your 'lover' don't look to something bigger than yourself to serve each other, love each other etc. then you might not experience marriage to it's fullest potential. Most people long to be wanted, loved and pursued. That's how we were made. So how can we keep pursuing each other when the romantic dating stops? This is when we don't look to ourselves, but something better, bigger than us. I could go on about this forever, but I won't because I know some people are just so turned off by marriage and it's purpose. Some people even get upset when they realize they NEED to turn to Christ. And honestly it makes me sad, because ultimately it means us Christ followers haven't done a great job living like Jesus.

This idea of marriage was put on my heart this last week because a young girl came up to me and complimented my marriage. It was encouraging, and very surprising, but I understood it wasn't any of my doing, but God's work in me. I still have many things i need to accept, many lessons to learn, and many years of marriage to keep this mindset, but yet I am excited for the challenges ahead, because Chance and I are not alone. Hur-ray for marriage! Hur-ray for Chance!

Date Night

2008-03-23T00:58:00.000-07:00

Chance and I have had "date nights" for the last couple months and it's been incredible. I know you're probably rolling your eyes thinking, 'you don't have kids, every night is a date for you.' Well you're wrong folks. Every married couple knows it's hard to connect all the time when your plate is packed. Anyway, my husband and I have committed to having a date night at least once a week, or three times a month. And for funzies we decided that one date night out of the month has to be a themed night such as pirate night, or hobo night-something where we get to act goofy, or dress up. We thought it was a pretty cool idea. We're excited.

We feel like we need to get in the habit of doing this because it helps us hear each other and be there for each other. We want to be committed to talk about what we could be doing better individually or as a couple. We also want to make this such a habit so if children do come along, we realize that our marriage comes first.

I'm not writing this because I want to brag about how wonderful my husband is because he takes me out on dates,(even though he is pretty amazing), I want to encourage all married couples to do the same. I think whatever way you go about your "date night" it is a great way to connect and it will help you pursue each other.

When we got home from camp on Friday, Chance and I had date night. We went to dinner, and came home and made a full-on fort. We watched a movie and went to bed in our fort like we were 10. It was very nostalgic and we loved being big dorks together.

Joni and Friends

2008-03-23T00:14:00.001-07:00

We're back! Chance and I were gone for about six days at a camp called Joni and Friends. This camp specializes in serving kids and adults that are affected by disabilities. It's our second year serving at the camp and we are always very blessed by the people there. I could write forever about the wonder of this camp and how this year God did a great work on my selfish heart, but I won't. I just want to thank God for his grace and the love of these people. I am so glad we were apart of it again this year.

Another day, another shoot

2008-03-23T00:02:00.001-07:00

So Chance and I are super-duper happy about this photography thing. We have been able to work with some amazing people, and just hang out doing what we love to do...take pictures. It's been pure awesomeness and we are pumped to the max. We only are able to do this because the Lord has been faithful to provide and answer prayers consistently, and we knew He would. Well, enough of us and on to Laurel and her brothers.

The day before Chance and I left town, we were able to take some shoots of Laurel and her brothers, Matthew and Daniel. Laurel lives in Chicago, but is originally from Fresno. She was home visiting her family and decided she wanted some pictures taken of her and her two brothers for a Father's Day gift for her dad. We were very excited and hit the random parts of Fresno. A huge thanks to Laurel and her brothers for being so kick-back, cracker jack. We enjoyed you all. Here's a peak of what we came up with.

2008-03-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to hang around Mr. Ryan Jones on location at Woodward Park for a recent engagement shoot. It was a blast being behind the scenes as Ryan shot, i really had a great time and i want to thank Ryan and especially Meghan and Rob for allowing me to tag along and make them feel even more uncomfortable as i doubled the amout of cameras pointed at them.

here are a few of the pics from the shoot. check out http://rcjonesphotography.blogspot.com/ for some nice comparison shots.

Katie and Ruben

2008-03-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chance and I hung out with two of our favorite people-Katie and Ruben. They're our dear friends and we love them very much. I know Katie from Highschool, and Chance meet Ruben through the church we attend. They recently got married this past July and wanted Chance to take some shots of them playing football. Ruben is really into sports so it was a brillant idea to really capture his love for the game in some photos with his wife. It was so awesome. They threw the ball around, did a pose here and there, and just had fun in front of the camera.
After we left the field they changed and we wandered around Fresno looking to take some more pictures. The day was great, we took some pictures in front of this cool glass window and finally in front of this sweet building off of herndon. Although, we were kicked out of the parking lot by some guy driving a Bently. I think he was just jealous because even in his Bently there's no way him and his lady friend could look as hot as Katie and Ruben. Thanks again guys! We love you and had a blast.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

2008-03-07T15:25:00.001-08:00

So how come every season of American Idol just gets worse? I really don't get it. What is up with the rocker chick, Amanda Overmyer? She looks like D.J. Tanner. Why is she still on the show? I think this season of American Idol really needs some talent and not just 'same breed singers.' BUUTTT I guess that's what America is all about, making someone famous for nothing. Before I get too into this and make myself look more pathetic for blogging about a television show, I am going to stop myself, and tell you about my cat. That's better right? Ha.

Well this is my cat Brighton and I am obsessed with her. She is a very unusual cat. She waits for me to get out of the shower so she can go in after me and lick the floor. She is totally cool with being walked on a leash, and she also sits and watches T.V. by herself. We got lucky. She's our child. Hopefully the only child we'll have for a couple years.

Art Hop-o-nonymous

2008-03-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, my husband just left for work and I am doing my morning routine, which includes...checking my myspace, yelling at my cat, checking my email and updating our blog. I know, you're thinking..."what does she do all day?!" Well boys and girls...I don't really do much except support my husband and his many talents. And he does have many.

Art hop is coming up and we really would like a place to show Chance's paintings. They are taking over our apartment! Not only are they taking over our extra bedroom, but they are just too wonderful to be sitting here. So, if you know of anyone with a place to display Chance's art, please let us know. We would love it if anyone knew of an office, a salon, or even a store that might be willing to let us hang some paintings for a couple months. Thanks for your support.

Dawn and Justin

2008-03-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

Today we had the opportunity to do an engagement session with Dawn and Justin. We had a great time. We know Dawn and Justin from The Well, which is the church that Chance and I have been a part of for about five years. We really enjoyed getting to know both of them.
We started out the session at Woodward park where we got to take some awesome shots of Dawn, Justin and their mo-ped. They even let us take it for a ride! We loooooved it. I want one.

After Woodward, we took a drive over to the backside of Children's Hospital where Dawn works as an RN. We stopped along side a road nearby some blooming flowers and got some pretty sweet pictures. Towards the end of the shoot we headed over to a grass field where we took some fun pictures of the couple goofing off.

Thanks guys for spending the day with us, we really enjoyed it and we are so excited for the blessings of a Godly marriage you will soon experience.

If anyone has questions about booking a shoot, a pricelist of sessions, or just want to chat please send Chance an email at chance.james.yahoo.com or myself at mrschancejames@yahoo.com. Thanks for checking out our blog!

Fresno State Interior Design

2008-03-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Chance and I recently got the opportunity to shoot for Fresno State's Interior Design program. There were about 40 students, and we want to thank all of them for being so awesome and meeting us on a Sunday! We started with headshots, then moved on to some group shots. Thanks again to all the students for allowing us to photograph you!

I Promised Paintings

2008-03-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

I promised that I would post some of Chance's art, so here it is, and by the way...how cute is my hubbs writing that about me?! I have the biggest crush on him.
The first painting is 6feet by 3 1/2feet on wood. The two paintings that follow are 4ft. by 4ft. on wood. The last painting is 4ft. by 2ft. on wood with metal. We have many more, and they are all for sale. Contact us if you would like to see more samples of Chance's work or if you would like a pricelist of the following.

my wife

2008-03-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

alright, so this is my first blog ever. i thought i would dedicate it to the person responsible for even making me think about doing this, my wife. she is pretty great and i think i made a great decision when i asked her to marry me. it has really been incredible being married, it might be one of the best things i have ever done. ok the best. it's like hanging out with my best friend all the time, and it never gets old. i'm so lucky, my wife makes me laugh all the time and she always has a funny story to tell or a song to sing. i think i might be the luckiest guy in the world. i'm really looking forward to where God takes us and where he is going to use my wife. she is so talented and i can't wait to watch her find more ways to express those talents.

Photography

2008-02-29T23:23:00.000-08:00

A big reason we started this blog was to showcase Chance's art and photography. Here are some previews of an engagement session with Rachael and Chris, and a portrait session with Ashley. Let us know what you think. If you would like a pricelist for engagement, protrait, commercial sessions or weddings please let us know. We will be posting some of Chance's art work soon!

And we're off!

2008-02-29T20:05:00.001-08:00

Chance and I decided to create this blog for many reasons. First of all, we had an awesome name. If you didn't laugh while reading our title, then you are simply not my friend. Because we thought it was hilarious. Second, Chance and I are trying to start a photography business and we thought this would be a cool way to track our progress, and lastly because we know that even though there will only be about 5 people that will actually read this, we are going to feel cool anyway for thinking that maybe, just maybe you will get a kick out of our boring, but awesome life together.