Brant Bender Blog

Welcome from Brant

Hello! Thank you for taking an interest in me and what I've been up to lately.

As you browse through my entries you will encounter a mixture of things. First you will find personal images and stories. I have three incredible children who make cameos throughout the blog. Hopefully my documentations will be a fun memoir for them to look through one day to have a better understanding of what I did in my life.

You will also find images of the most recent weddings I have photographed. You can always view more images on my professional website, www.phoenixphotography.com. However my professional site doesn't allow me to tell you my thoughts about what went into the images or the stories behind them. My clients have some of the most beautiful weddings but what makes them special are the people and the stories woven into them.

As is evident I love to take photographs. In fact, I have been a paid photographer since I was 16 years old (1986 for those of you counting). As a result, you will also find images of my other interests and hobbies, and on occasion, a few embarrassing moments of my life. All in an effort to show you a little more about who I am.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not point out my gratitude to the most important person in my life, my wife, Rachel. Her dedication and love is what has helped make this passion turn into a career. She has given me the most beautiful children in the world and inspiration to continue "capturing life as it happens."

Thanks again for stopping by. Enjoy!

I've Moved!!!!

As of July 2008, Phoenix Photography has become Brant Bender Photography. I invite you to visit me at my new home, brantbender.com and brantbender.com/blog. Don't forget to update your bookmarks and RSS feeds...See you over there!!!

Brant

Posted at 02:05 PM Read More

Sun - May 18, 2008

Brenda & Victor Wedding

Recently I made the decision of letting the images speak for themselves, and I hope these do too, but I've felt as if I'm leaving important information behind. Previously I talked about how lucky I am to have the opportunity to do what I do. Victor & Brenda's wedding really solidified my thinking. They were gracious, willing to put up with my fun/crazy ideas and completely in love. Their first meeting was wonderful to capture. Brenda had to take a moment to compose herself before it happened and it was truly a magical moment. I also can't finish without saying what a fantastic job Kelly from Mint Weddings did. She was there when we needed her and always anticipated the next move. Finally, and as usual, everyone at The Prado in Balboa Park did a great job...and we had a wonderful meal :-).

Posted at 09:41 PM Read More

Mon - May 5, 2008

Dance

This past Sunday all three kids participated in a dance preview of their upcoming recital during Fiesta de Los Penasquitos. This was Amanda's first time on stage and she seems to fit right in! We had a great time watching all three of them and many of their friends as well.

Posted at 02:21 PM Read More

Fri - April 25, 2008

Lulu & Michael Wedding

Posted at 12:16 PM Read More

Tue - April 15, 2008

Kate & Tim Wedding

Posted at 10:43 AM Read More

Wed - April 9, 2008

Yervant & Joe Buissink

I'm not sure how many photographers check out my blog, but I wanted to take this opportunity to promote someone whom I have great respect for. About three years ago I met Yervant at a seminar he did here in San Diego and was blown away by his work. That was the first time I really felt inspired by a fellow wedding photographer. I truly believe he is the best in world and I'm honored to see him again in May when he travels back to San Diego. I'm also very excited to see another amazing photographer, Joe Buissink. I've seen his work for years, but this will be my first introduction to Joe. For those of you interested in attending sign up now...click here! It will definitely be worth the money. Hope to see you there!

Posted at 04:31 PM Read More

Sat - March 1, 2008

Punta Mita, Mexico 2

In all my excitement updating the blog yesterday I forgot to include a few of the cool pictures! This is especially fun because my daughter, Brianni, took the second and third images in the post. I look forward to her taking over the family business someday :-).

Brianni Bender originals!

Posted at 01:28 PM Read More

Fri - February 29, 2008

Punta Mita, Mexico

The kids were off from school for "ski week" so the family packed up and headed off to... Mexico! Four Seasons Punta Mita to be exact (which is 45 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta) with white sand beaches, no snow. Rachel's parents, sister, nephew, and my brother were all with us and it was such a relaxing, fun vacation for us all. The weather was beautiful (it rained almost every day in Poway while we were gone), we watched humpback whales go by every day from the back patio, and the food was fantastic. On our last day, eight of us went on a guided horseback ride through countryside, the beach and a nearby village called Higuera Blanca. This was an incredible experience! We've been back a week and we all wish we could still be there. Daily conversations with Amanda have included her saving up her "tickets" so that we can "get on another plane and go back tomorrow." :-) Hope you enjoy the photos... (oh, and check out hole #3b on the golf course - yes, that IS an island!!!)

Posted at 03:14 PM Read More

Wed - January 16, 2008

Valeri & Rich Wedding

Posted at 04:03 PM Read More

Mon - December 10, 2007

Staci & Dino Wedding

Posted at 04:01 PM Read More

Thu - December 6, 2007

Popeh & Afshin Wedding

Posted at 06:02 PM Read More

Wed - November 21, 2007

NAR Las Vegas

Last week I was in Las Vegas photographing this year's National Association of Realtors convention. In the past I've had the pleasure of photographing Tom Brokaw, former Presidents Bush and Clinton, Dr. Phil and Norman Schwarzkopf (to name a few). This year was just as good as I was assigned to cover TV and comedy legend Bill Cosby and Lou Holtz of Notre Dame football fame. Both are amazing speakers and very motivational.