Ponce's Portraits

Beginner Photography Workshop - Learn to Shoot with Manual Camera Settings

2012-01-27T20:44:00.000-08:00

Want to learn how to shoot your camera on Manual Mode? Ponce's Portraits is offering 2 workshops in February to help understand the basics of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Learn what they mean, how to use them to create different effects. Want to know how to get killer action shots of your kids sports events? Maybe you want to do night shooting without flash? Or maybe you want to just take better pics of your kids? What ever it is you want to know you can ask in this workshop. Bring your camera for hands on practicing.

Thurs Feb 9, 6pm to 9pm or
Sun Feb 12, 9am to 12pm

Only $45
Prepay to hold and guarantee a spot.

Contact me at 916-479-3431

Wedding Planning Site

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

This site is great check it out: http://www.sacramentotop10.com/

Nicole's Is Now Open

2011-11-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Nicole's Previously Loved Fashions is a consignment store specializing in dresses (long and short) for any occassion. Prom, Holiday Parties, Wedding Dresses, business and even some casual styles. She is located above Ponce's Portraits recently expanded Studio at 10466A Franklin Blvd, Elk Grove (Old Town Franklin near King Skate and Pruitt's Loft). Come in to shop or consign your gently used "fancy" dresses Friday through Monday from 11-5pm.

Coming Soon to Ponce's Portraits- Nicole's - Previously Loved Fashions

2011-11-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon
Nicole's - Previously Loved Fashions for gently used (and some new) Prom Dresses, Wedding Gowns and Dresses. Located upstairs from Ponce's Portraits Studio in Old Town Franklin near King Skate and Pruitt's Loft.

Coats for Kids

2011-11-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ponce's is proud to be a drop off location for Coats for Kids sponsored by News 10 . I am offering a $25 Promotional Gift Certificate for Ponce's Portraits with your donation of a new or gently used coats.
Please call for drop off hours (916) 479-3431

Happy Clients

2011-07-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

I love it when my clients post nice things about their experiences with my service. Here are a couple quotes on Wedplan.net . You can view the actual quotes at http://www.wedplan.net/pages/5308/reviews/

Ponce's Portraits

Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 479-3431
Rated 5.0 in 4 Reviews

- Rated 5 stars by Naomi

I cannot describe how amazing Ponce's Portraits was!!! Not only were Lonna and her assistant Holly professional and fun, but they were also brilliant. Not to mention, it rained and we only had about an hour break in between storms. They worked through the day with a calm ease and helped to keep me relaxed. They came up with unique and beautiful poses and concepts. I would highly recommend Ponce's Portraits for any occasion, especially your wedding!!!!

- Rated 5 stars by Marissa

Words can not describe the experience my husband and I had with Lonna. Lonna went above and beyond to capture every detail on my special day. I get amazing comments on my storybook album that she created for us. I have had more than many people tell me they have never seen anything like it. She knows how to take a picture to make you look your best. Ponces portraits will be my photographer forever!

- Rated 5 stars by Andrea Cortez

Lonna Ponce is a true professional who does not leave even the tiniest detail up in the air. She helped us establish a wedding day timeline and coordinated our pre-ceremony photo session of about 40 people. She was so nice to everyone and made us all feel comfortable even though many of us were stressed out on the big day. But she took away a lot of stress because she accomplished everything we wanted and with 30 minutes to spare, so our ceremony easily began on schedule! She took photos of the people, but she also took photos of other items important to the day (my dress, our rings and invitation, architectural details of the church, the violin that was played during our ceremony). From all this, she created the most beautiful album that I still browse through every so often. Every time I look at my wedding album and show it to others, I am so proud of how beautiful it turned out. Her photos and album are flawless. And over 2 years later, Lonna is still a part of our lives, as she is now our family photographer. We get to enjoy her work over and over again, and she never disappoints. I do not regret my decision to let the wedding photography be the largest of our wedding budget items. We got "above and beyond" what we paid for.

- Rated 5 stars by Sarah

Ponce's Portraits is outstanding. They went above and beyond my expectations. Easy to work with and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Upcoming Bridal Event

2011-06-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ponce's Portraits will be at the Bridal Event at Carvalho Winery at the Old SugarMill on Thursday July 21st, 2011. You can view the info and sign up with this fb link (make sure you are signed in first):
https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=203973086312826

Lost Leo

2011-06-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

We have lost our male cat, Leo on 5/31/11. He was last seen on Madrid Way in Elk Grove. We are missing him very much and would love to get him back. If you should see him please call me at 916-479-3431

High School Senior Portraits in Elk Grove, CA by Ponce's Portraits

2011-03-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Chaz

I had the pleasure to take Senior Pictures for Chaz from Franklin High School, Class of 2011. He is a really nice kid and I had fun shooting his pictures. He was a great model!

For those who are graduating this year, don't wait till the last minute to take your portraits. Allow enough time to choose and order your portraits so you can get your graduation announcements before you graduate.

Boudoir Portrait Event- Elk Grove, CA

2011-03-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand! Our boudoir event was a hit, so we are doing it again this month on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Appointments starting at 9am. Call 916-479-3431 to find out more.

2011-01-31T14:32:00.001-08:00

I am going to be a vendor at Elk Grove's Girls Night Out through the Cosumnes Parks and Recreation on Friday, March 18, 2011 4:30-9:30pm located at Wackford Center. Lots of interactive free stuff going on that night. I will be taking head shot pictures of all the ladies and will post them free of charge on Facebook. So if you need a new or updated profile picture, be sure to sign up for this fun event on page 15 of the activity guide.
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1qkyv/CosumnesCSDWinter201/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourcsd.com%2Factivityguide.aspx

2011-01-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

Boudoir Valentines Event at Ponce's Portraits. ONE day only, Friday February 4th. Hair and make up provided by Nicole Lara of Elite Beauty Concepts. Call 916-479-3431

Family Portrait Event

2010-11-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

Time to update your family portrait?

FREE FAMILY SESSION - ONE DAY ONLY

Sunday November 21st

Bring your family to Ponce's Portraits for a FREE family session on November 21st. By appointment only.

Special discounted prices for Holiday Cards and Special Discounted Collections, just for this day! Don't miss out, call for your appointment today as the appointments are first come first served. Don't fight the mall crowds, come to Ponce's Portraits.View and order your portraits same day.

916-479-3431

www.poncesportraits.com

Newcastle Wedding Gardens Wedding Photography

2010-10-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Nichole and Andy were married on July 17, 2010 (my birthday) at the beautiful Newcastle Wedding Gardens in Newcastle, CA. They had a very fun reception with Anthony Avery of A&A Music Events . Very cute couple!

Pismo Beach Wedding, CA

2010-10-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

Wendy and Dean got married on July 21st in Pismo Beach, CA. What a great day for a wedding!

Sacramento Wedding Photographer

2010-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Vineyard Wedding Pictures

Something like a "Trash the Dress" Picture

Vineyard Wedding Picture

Beautiful Bride Portrait

Bridal Party Picture

Marissa and Craig got married on her parents property in Hearald, CA on September 18, 2010. Such a beautiful couple and simply the nicest people to work with. I felt so honored to be selected as their photographer!

Flowers provided by Cheryl Sage of Accents by Sage . She does such beautiful flower designs. I just love it when my brides choose her.

Wedding at Oakleigh Wedding Gardens, Fair Oaks

2010-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Kara and Jake were such a pleasure to work with and so obviously in love! This is the first time I had been to the Oak Leigh Wedding Gardens. A hidden little venue in Sacramento. The inside shots were at a local hotel as she was getting ready. Flowers were done by Cheryl of Accents by Sage. Another beautiful job!

2010-10-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Soccer season is in full swing and the Elk Grove Strikers won their game last weekend. I am sorry to miss this weeks game, but excited to shoot Kara and Jakes wedding. I still need to put some images up from Marissa and Craig's wedding as well as Wendy and Dean, and Nichole and Andy too. I did put some of them on Facebook though, so check it out!

Long Time No Blog

2010-09-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well where to start, it has been a long time and I have been busy. In July I had the honor of photographing 2 beautiful weddings. The first was on my birthday, July 17th with Nichole and Andy at the beautiful Newcastle Wedding Gardens and the second was with Wendy and Dean in Pismo Beach which is also beautiful! I just love sharing couples' most special day.

Shortly after the 2nd wedding in July my father passed away from a 12 year long fight with prostate cancer. It was great to be able to be there with him when he left us, surrounded by family. Although he will be greatly missed and always loved!

In September I was at the Elk Grove Bridal Show at the Holiday Inn Express. I met some great couples and looking forward to another great year!

New Kitty Addition

2010-06-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

We recently got this cute kitten and was told it was female, so we named her Lily. I took her to the vet to get her first set of shots and found out that Lily was a Boy! What a shock. We went around and around with renaming him and finally settled on Leo. Playful little bugger...

Teacher Appreciation Special

2010-04-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

For all Elk Grove Unified School District Teachers, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7th, Ponce's Portraits is offering the following special:

50% off Session Fee and a Free 8x10 for Teachers only
Must schedule and pay session fee by May 7th to get this great offer.
Just mention this post!
916-479-3431

Doubletree Hotel Preferred Partner

2010-04-04T09:03:00.001-07:00

This one is my favorite from the day!

As a Doubletree Hotel preferred partner, I wanted to share some images that I think really show off how beautiful the Doubletree is for a wedding venue. These are from Jamie and Greg's wedding on 3/27/2010. I want to thank Arie Roberts for letting me work with her and for doing such awesome posing, so I could get some of these great shots. She was a pleasure to work with. Also I will be at the Doubletree for a Bridal Fair coming up on April 15, 2010 so come by and see it in person. For more information check the website:

http://www.sacramento.doubletree.com/

Photo Workshop

2010-03-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great workshop last Sunday and I talked about posing and portraits, natural light, reflectors, etc. We had a model and did lots of practice. Here are some of the images taken with Casey who was a great model for the day.

2010-03-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday! She left us 13 years ago at the young age of 53. She had a way of being nice to and accepting everyone. She was a great violinist and loved to play cards and dance. She was loved by many and missed very much!

Paisley

2010-03-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Paisley is the new daughter of one of my favorite bridal couples. I love to keep in contact with my wedding clients and watch their families grow.

2010-03-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

Visit me at the Doubletree Bridal fair, featured as one of their preferred partners. April 15th, 2010 from 5-9pm.

Mother's Day Promo

2010-03-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

March Workshop

2010-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

This Months Workshop:
Make your Photos look professional! We will have a live model to shoot, practice and will cover:
Artistic Composition
Rules of Thirds
Eliminating background distractions
Framing subject with surroundings
Selective Focus on the Subject
Techniques to Blur Backgrounds
Colors and Clothing Choices
Natural Lighting techniques

Posing
Rules
Male, Female poses
Hands
Position to camera
Direction of light
Fill light

We will be talking about portraits, but the lighting and composition can be transferred to any subject.

March 28th
10am to 1pm
$29 Must sign up in advance to save your spot.
Ponce's Portraits Studio
info@poncesportraits.com
479-3431

Meet Nicole

2010-02-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

Had a fantastic time with Nicole in Old Sacramento. It was really cold, but she was a trooper and got some fun shots. Flowers were done by Elegant Events by Marie.

2010-02-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday February 28th is the Big Bridal Show at Cal Expo, the Dream Wedding Show! I will be in Building 6. Please come to visit!
http://www.dreamweddingshow.com/

2010-02-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my youngest's Sweet 16th Birthday. Happy Birthday Nicole! On Valentine's Day she had 4 of her friends spend the night. I think the average was 2 hours of sleep (although I got a little more)...

2010-02-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made Nicole's Birthday Cake. I know it is not like River City Cakes, but not bad for a beginner.

Meet Emi

2010-02-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Emi was born at 25 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb. 6 oz. with her identical twin sister, Mina, who became Emi's little angel just two days later. After 20 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Emi finally came home to her family. It's been 7.5 months since Emi was born and she now weighs 10 lb 4 oz. She was referred to me by the Moment by Moment Foundation for those who are born premature and or have a life threatening illness. The hospitals refer families to a group of participating professional photographers to capture and provide pictures of their child for the families, completely free of charge. I am proud to be a participating photographer and look forward to helping many more families.

Elk Grove Bridal Show

2010-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Elk Grove Bridal Show was a success. So busy!! Here is a picture of my booth display and a picture of the winner of all the vendor prizes (taken by Natalee). Congratulations Ashley!

January Ladies Night at Palermo's

2010-01-29T07:27:00.000-08:00

Had a blast at Ladies Night this month. We collected can goods for the Elk Grove Food Bank and I took some shots of the ladies to use on their facebook pages as well as a few candids. If anyone is interested to join us next month, let me know.

2010-01-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

In honor of retro week on facebook, thought I would post my favorite 2 wedding pictures of myself, taken 21 years ago, by Peters Photography. It is funny how when I look at these pictures I see myself as skinny, but at the time I sure felt like I was not.

Valentine's Mini Sessions

2010-01-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

2 Days Only Saturday January 16 and Saturday January 23th

Valentine's Mini Sessions

$39+tax Mini Studio Session Fee
20 Minute Session
1 Background white or red
1 Week to order with 1 week of online viewing
10-15 proofs to choose from
12 Free Valentine's Cards Customized with your image

24 additional Valentines Cards for only $15 +tax

Additional portraits also available for purchase.

Book your session online http://Poncesportraits.bookmonline.com/
and pay either by paypal or call me with your credit card number to hold your time.

Baby Freddie

2010-01-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

I love it when I can stay in touch and in the lives of my bridal couples and become their family photographer as well as their wedding photographer. Here are a few pictures of Baby Freddie. The son of one of my favorite wedding clients Andrea and Fred from Sacramento. They invited me to their beautiful new home to take these pictures.

New Years

2010-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I had a quiet New Years Eve. Bill and Joe had to work and Nicole went to her friends. Boy how they are growing up so fast. Not too much to recap for the year. Went to a great family reunion in Long Beach for the Ponce/Aceves family and met some new people. Visited Disneyland. The salon next to my studio moved out and in moved a Christmas store, which is getting ready to close up shop now and we have yet to see who the new tenant will be. This year I made my studio available to other photographers who need space to shoot by the hour. I have met some great new people and had some great clients to work with. Nicole got her braces off and is doing well in school and still loves soccer. Joey is still at the same job, but got rid of his car and now is saving for a new one. He took a semester off of school but just signed up for the new semester. This makes mom really happy! I am getting ready for the first bridal show of the year, the Premier Wedding Show at Arden Hills Resort and Spa on Sunday January 3rd and hope to fill my wedding calendar this year. These are a few pictures I took of Nicole a few days ago.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

We had another great Christmas Eve party this year. Friends and family came by to share the holiday cheer. I was intent on taking pictures of everyone this year as I rarely take pictures at my own functions. I got into talking to people and forgot about the camera so if you came and aren't in these pictures, I apologize. I realize now looking at them how many people I missed. Here are more pictures on my facebook. http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=1409979524#/album.php?aid=48098&id=1409979524

2009-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

I am really excited because I have been searching for my long lost childhood friend for quite sometime and I think I found her on Facebook. She hasn't replied to my message inquiry, but am hopeful. I recognize some of her friends as her kids, so just know it must be her even without a profile picture.

We were best friends in 4th grade and sometime after that she moved away to Southern CA. We used to keep in touch as pen pals and would try to visit once a year or so. That is the first time I took a plane ride by myself was to go visit her. She was such a great friend and even one of my bridesmaids in my wedding and I in hers. It seems just a couple years ago (I am sure it was longer) that we lost contact and the annual Christmas/Birthday cards seemed to disappear.

I remember Holly as a great friend and great mom to her kids. I remember one time she was on her way up north to visit her sister and she stopped and spent the night. We sat on the couch and talked for hours. I miss those times as far and infrequent as they were. So I am hopeful that I hear from her soon!

2009-12-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

On Monday I made enchilladas for a pot luck I was going to and I turned the oven on to cook them. Unfortunately, it decided that 17 years was long enough to work and gave me an error message and would not heat. I called the repair man who was scheduled to come out today to fix it. He was very courtesy but couldn't fix it today. He needs to see if he can locate the necessary part. This was very disappointing since today is Joey's 20th birthday and I promised to bake him a cake. I really wanted to do that for him. He wanted a strawberry cake with lemon frosting, which I am quite sure I can't find at any store.

I still haven't heard back from the repair man who said he would try to get back to me today. I am now worried that I won't have an oven for our Christmas Eve Party...

2009-12-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today was Nicole's end of the year soccer party. I really enjoyed her being on the Lightning Strikers Team this year. The coaches were fabulous and the girls and parents were great. Nicole really enjoyed it too. I got some great shots of the girls and was happy to share a slideshow with them. We are on to indoor soccer next. I hear there is an indoor field here in Elk Grove and so happy not to have to drive to Watt Ave this year. Nicole is my youngest and loves soccer. She has been playing for several years now. She currently plays the sweeper position and rarely lets the ball pass her. I am very proud of both my kids. Nicole with her sports skills and good grades, and Joe with his musical talent and artistic skills. It is a pleasure to see them growing up and doing so well.

Ladies Night Out

2009-12-03T07:19:00.001-08:00

Monday I attended Ladies Night Out with the Diva's from Elk Grove Online hosted by Carol of Skin Care by Carol and held at Boulevard Bistro Restaurant in Elk Grove. Guessing about 30 ladies attended. Was quite a great variety of appetizers. There is a mini slide show on my website poncesportraits.com . I met some nice ladies and learned all about cruising and creating custom cookbooks. Looking forward to the next one at Palermo's Restaurant.

What I am Thankful For

2009-11-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Is seems fitting to reflect on what I am thankful for since it is the week of Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband who supports me in my career and always picks up the slack around the house.

I am thankful for my 2 beautiful kids who constantly remind me of my growing up years and what it was like to be young and full of ideas and dreams. Plus I am thankful they keep me updated with current styles and trends.

I am thankful for being part of the PPSV association and the great community of photographers, speakers and learning opportunities they provide.

I am thankful for all my great friends and clients who have supported me and made me the person and photographer I am today.

I am thankful for great food, even though our family never agrees on what is great.

I am thankful for computers and facebook which have helped me to reconnect with old friends.

I am thankful for photoshop which helps me to enhance photos, turn them into art, and help people look more beautiful.

Lastly I am thankful for good health and being happy in my life.

2009-11-23T07:34:00.001-08:00

I am excited to go in today for my massage appointment with Jacqui at
Time Well Spent Spa. http://www.timewellspentmassage.com . I am one who carries all my stress in my shoulders and generally don't pamper myself much, but I really look forward to this treat! This will be my 2nd massage with Jacqui and she has a great spa location in EG, is very professional and has magic fingers. I highly recommend, to anyone wanting a massage, to give her a try. Thanks Jacqui for being there to massage those of us who just can't get their kids to do it anymore.

About Me

2009-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog. I am Lonna Ponce, owner of Ponce's Portraits, located in Elk Grove, CA. I love being a portrait and wedding photographer because I love being able to give people tangible memories to cherish for their entire lives. As a photographer I touch many lives and it is really rewarding to get comments like this recent one I received on facebook from one of my favorite clients, Terri:

"Hi Lonna, don't know if you got my phone message...but the photos of the kids are just beautiful! The one of Hank is so perfect that it took my breath away. I am teary-eyed just thinking about it. You truly captured their inner beauty and fun personalities! You even made Jeff and I look good! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! We will treasure these pictures...always! xoxo"

Terri is a great Mom of three beautiful children, one of which is fighting a disease called Parry Romberg Syndrom: an extremely rare, progressive, "incurable" auto-immune disease that causes facial atrophy...meaning it causes half the face to "waste" away. Hank is incredibly brave and you can just feel the love in their family. I was honored to host a fundraiser on their behalf. You can follow Hank and his progress at: http://thehankchronicles.blogspot.com/