African American – San Francisco Wedding and Event Photography

Business portrait of a young entrepreneur in Oakland, Ca

African American, Environmental portrait, portrait No Responses »

Jun 112012

Allow me to introduce you to Alanna Rayford. She is transforming a derelict building in Oakland’s up and coming Uptown neighborhood into a thriving gallery space. I wanted an image of her that was dynamic and exciting, pretty and approachable. I feel like this photo says all of this and more. I shot it during the golden hour as late afternoon light streamed through the windows and wrapped around her. She looks natural and in charge at her computer. The photo was shot with all natural light on a 50mm prime lens.

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt 2012
All Rights Reserved
San Francisco business photography

Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

African American, non-profit, oakland, photojournalism, photojournalistic, Photos, portrait, pro bono, street photography, Sunset, uplifting 4 Responses »

Jan 102012

Proud and happy young african american girl in Oakland California

Last year I volunteered regularly at the Campfire after school program in West Oakland. The program gives affordable and enriching education and care to a great group of kids in a low income part of Oakland. They do a really good job with the kids. They help them with their homework (and see that it gets done!), feed the kids healthy snacks, play games (kickball, FTW) and give them a supportive and accountable environment. I was proud to be a part of what they were doing.

One of my duties included portrait photography of the students. Here are some of my favorite portraits of the students.

This first shot, this girl (or teen, or young woman) she was a spunky kid. Strong willed, smart and tough. I love to see her so fiercely happy here.

This last one is one of my favorites. I love how moody and unposed this is.

Environmental portrait of African American Boy

African American, Children, East Bay, Environmental portrait, oakland, portrait No Responses »

Mar 112011

I like the simplicity and moodiness of this environmental portrait of an African American boy. There was also nice soft spring afternoon light. Taken in West Oakland, CA.

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt 2010. All rights reserved.
San Francisco Photographer

Black and white wedding photo of an African American Couple.

African American, art, black and white, Event Photography, wedding 2 Responses »

Apr 132010

Black and White Photo of Black Bride and Groom

I met Julia and Otto at a cafe near their house in Oakland. One of the reasons they picked me over other photographers they liked, I have photos of African American people on my website. The even said “You’d think black people don’t get married, looking at vendors websites.”

I think their wedding was at the Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo.

I particularly like this photo because it is simultaneously formal, candid, and photo journalistic. I like to have a light touch during formals. Too loose, and people feel confused. Too tight, and you miss shots like this.

Black and White Photo of African American Bride and Groom