Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

GoodEye Photography + Design Blog bio picture

Welcome to the
GoodEye Photography + Design PhotoBlog!

Hey you. Yeah, you. Thanks for visiting my blog. Check here often for the latest and greatest photos by Chris Schmauch. I shoot weddings, food, architecture, families, events, models, products... well you get the point, I love it all!

Click on the "Categories" link up top to find posts related to certain types of photography. Most of my stuff is restaurant-related (architecture & food) or people-related (weddings, engagements, families, etc.)

Click the "portfolio" link to visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com, where you can order prints from over 130,000 photos in my always-expanding archive.

Oh, a little about me: I'm 32, happily married with two little girls, and am passionate about both Photography and Design (hence the business name). I'm a Nikon shooter, love both Macs and PCs, have that type of personality that gets along with anyone, am totally unflappable, and, well, I'm pretty good at what I do.

Visit often, and if you need to book me, don't hesitate to call: 408.431.4808!

P.S. Yelp me here. Facebook me here. Twitter me here.

Cafe Cruz, Soquel – Kitchen and Waitstaff (Restaurant Photography)

Cafe Cruz in Soquel, California is a well-known gem of a restaurant for locals and visitors alike. They’ve got tons of great Yelp reviews, and for good reason! Nikki and her husband have done a great job over the last 15-odd-years making thie restaurant into a part of Santa Cruz culture and frequent destination for discerning diners. The food and drinks are great, and the atmosphere is very friendly to families and intimate date nights alike.

But enough of that, on to the photos! Here’s some photography of the superb kitchen and waitstaff I captured while visiting. More photos to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Leave a comment if you can think of something clever to say.

Chris is an award-winning restaurant and food photographer,
call today to get your restaurant’s GoodEye makeover scheduled! (831) 216-6210

Cafe Cruz, Soquel – Food (Restaurant Photography)

Cafe Cruz in Soquel, California is a well-known gem of a restaurant for locals and visitors alike. They’ve got tons of great Yelp reviews, and for good reason! Nikki and her husband have done a great job over the last 15-odd-years making thie restaurant into a part of Santa Cruz culture and frequent destination for discerning diners. The food and drinks are great, and the atmosphere is very friendly to families and intimate date nights alike.

But enough of that, on to the photos! Here’s some photography of customers enjoying the food and ambience I captured while visiting. More photos to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Leave a comment if you can think of something clever to say.

Chris is an award-winning restaurant and food photographer,
call today to get your restaurant’s GoodEye makeover scheduled! (831) 216-6210

Cafe Cruz, Soquel – Customers (Restaurant Photography)

Cafe Cruz in Soquel, California is a well-known gem of a restaurant for locals and visitors alike. They’ve got tons of great Yelp reviews, and for good reason! Nikki and her husband have done a great job over the last 15-odd-years making thie restaurant into a part of Santa Cruz culture and frequent destination for discerning diners. The food and drinks are great, and the atmosphere is very friendly to families and intimate date nights alike.

But enough of that, on to the photos! Here’s some photography of customers enjoying the food and ambience I captured while visiting. More photos to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Leave a comment if you can think of something clever to say.

Chris is an award-winning restaurant and food photographer,
call today to get your restaurant’s GoodEye makeover scheduled! (831) 216-6210

Cafe Cruz, Soquel – Drinks (Restaurant Photography)

Cafe Cruz in Soquel, California is a well-known gem of a restaurant for locals and visitors alike. They’ve got tons of great Yelp reviews, and for good reason! Nikki and her husband have done a great job over the last 15-odd-years making thie restaurant into a part of Santa Cruz culture and frequent destination for discerning diners. The food and drinks are great, and the atmosphere is very friendly to families and intimate date nights alike.

But enough of that, on to the photos! Here’s some drink photography I captured while visiting – and a few shots of the bartender in action. More photos to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Leave a comment if you can think of something clever to say.

Chris is an award-winning restaurant and food photographer,
call today to get your restaurant’s GoodEye makeover scheduled! (831) 216-6210

Mike + Fera = Madina > Mehdi > Rayhana (Family Portraits)

Mike and Fera own Arya Restaurant in Cupertino where I took pictures of their food and interiors last may. With a crazy busy restaurant schedule, we’ve been planning the family photo shoot for almost a year now! Well today we finally synchronized schedules and met up at Natural Bridges Beach in Santa Cruz. Their three children are so photogenic, my camera and I were loving it! They are a close-knit family, lots of love and cuddliness in this bunch. They fit together so naturally, I hardly needed to direct them with different poses, which means more time for shooting. Here’s my favorite photos below, there’s 125 edited photos to check out at www.GoodEyePhotography.com if these aren’t enough!

Santa Cruz Family Photographer Chris Schmauch (831) 216-6210

Natural Bridges State Beach

Shannon + Greg (Engagement Photography)

Shannon and Greg are a fun, easygoing couple who aren’t afraid to roll with my crazy ideas. They wanted to have an engagement shoot at a beach in Santa Cruz, so after looking through some recent e-sessions I’ve done around the area, they settled on 3-Mile Beach. It’s a couple miles out of town, a mile or two past the main entrance for Wilder Ranch. It’s easy to miss as there’s not many places to park, and it’s mostly visited by surfers who don’t mind walking 1/3 mile to the beach with their boards. It’s a little sketchy getting down to the beach, especially carrying equipment, but we made it unscathed and had a great time. Enjoy the photos below, there’s 107 edited photos from our Santa Cruz engagement session at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Leave a comment if ya got somethin’ to say!

Santa Cruz Engagement Photography by Chris Schmauch, GoodEye Photography + Design

(831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

January 10, 2011 - 11:30 am Carol Gaidos - I love the casual photos. #66 was one of my favorites. Like the ones of Greg and Shannon giggling too. Of course the one of Greg on his knee does let you know exactly what is going on that day. good job to all CG

January 10, 2011 - 7:12 pm Chris Clayton - Amazing photos! I don't know how they are going to choose. You did an wonderful job. I love the location and lighting. They are all so good. I got so excited for them when I looked at the photos.

NorCal Boxer Rescue (Puppies)

I love dogs. Puppies are especially adorable, but there are over 30 boxers right now that need a home from Norcal Boxer Rescue Organization. These cute pups below are Heath, Reese and Patty (notice the theme?). These dogs and more all need loving homes, and I’m hoping these photos will speak to your inner canine-lover and encourage you to consider welcoming a Boxer into your home. Here’s a few photos, there’s more boxer puppy photos to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

San Francisco Shirt Company Grand Opening and Fashion Show (Event Photography)

My friends at Franco Uomo just opened their new business at Santana Row – and it’s called San Francisco Shirt Company. It’s high-end, fashionable, and mostly for the ladies. I took some interiors and details of the store last week, and today was the official grand opening, replete with a red carpet fashion show (models courtesy HMM), live music, sweet hats from BRIM, and of course, great looking threads. I’m by no means qualified to write about anything fashion-related, but the outfits looked great, and the crowd loved it. Angelina is the mastermind behind all this great stuff, although she won’t admit it. Check the store out for yourself – it’s smack in the middle of Santana Row in San Jose – right across the street from Hotel Valencia.

I took some candids before and after the show, as well as some runway shots. Nothing too fantastic or posed – just off the cuff kinda work. Some is good, some not so much. Again, you judge. Here’s a few to look at below. If you’re a model, or a model’s mom, you’ll want to check out the full gallery at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Order a print or two for the fridge!

December 20, 2010 - 12:31 am Miguel - Great job on the photos. My fav is 22.

San Francisco Shirt Company – Santana Row’s Newest Boutique Clothing Store (Retail Photography)

Franco Uomo’s got a brand new bag – or rather, clothing store – at Santana Row. It’s called San Francisco Shirt Company, and it’s hot. In fact, they’re having a fashion show on December 16, 2010 to celebrate the grand opening of the new store, and I have a few photographs to show you blog readers what this place is all about. Where Franco Uomo is all about menswear, SF Shirt Co. caters more to the better half if you know what I mean. The new store is located directly across from Hotel Valencia, and has light, clean architectural details on the interior and an atmosphere that’s much more inviting than stuffy. The vintage sewing machines tastefully mounted on the wall as well as the logo design give San Francisco Shirt Company an old world, aristocratic feel, but without the pretentious snobbery. But enough from me, check out the photos below or better yet, visit the store yourself and check out the goods. Give Angelina, the store manager, a high five for me.

February 27, 2011 - 3:07 pm Julie - Stopped into this shop and the clothes and especially the coats are just gorgeous!

December 17, 2010 - 11:57 pm San Francisco Shirt Company Grand Opening and Fashion Show (Event Photography) » GoodEye Photography + Design - [...] San Francisco Shirt Company – Santana Row’s Newest Boutique Clothing Store (Retail Photo... [...]

Tallulah + Chloe (Sistahs)

Tallulah is in the same class as my oldest daughter – so it goes without saying how T’s mom found out about this photography thing I do. We’d had to take a couple rain checks (literally), so I was glad we finally got a day and time we could shoot without umbrellas, although that would be cool too… Anywho, we met up at Harvey West Park on the West Side of Santa Cruz, hoping to catch some of those lovely deciduous fall leaves. But when I got there, I discovered that all those orange and red leaves had fallen off and been carted away a few days before, so…. there’s these beautiful redwood trees! And green grass! And… banana slugs! If you know me, you know I can make stuff look good no matter where, how or when. Just take deep breaths, and seek out the inner personality of your subject and all will be well.

Speaking of subjects and personality, sisters Chloe and Tallulah have TONS – and maybe a little to spare (much to the exasperation of mom, I’m sure!). But I know how to deal with rowdy kids, and I think after a while, Mom realized this as well and didn’t need to stress about it. Kids are crazy, and don’t want to be told what to do – so sometimes you have to encourage them to do what they’re already doing (like sticking out tongues or making faces) before you can transition back to the original pose you had in mind. But if it’s not working, you just have to let that idea go and fluidly move onto whatever’s happening next. Photographing kids is not a prepared, predetermined situation. It’s chaos, and you just have to run with it and hope for the best.

T & C gave me tons of opportunities for fantabulous pictures, and though we only shot for maybe 45 minutes I’ve got quite a few keepers to present. My session faves are laid out below for your viewing pleasure. If you’re a relative of these little whippersnappers you probably want to see all 60 edited photos, which are on my proofing / printing site, www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Enjoy, and leave a comment if you like what you see.

Le Papillon 3rd Annual Vendor Celebration Event at Boulder Ridge Country Club (Event Photography)

Le Papillon restaurant had their annual get together of wedding industry professionals – this year at the new Boulder Ridge Country Club & Golf Course in South San Jose. It was great to meet so many new people, as well as get reacquainted with some old friends. There was a lot of talent in that room – photographers, event planners, DJs, florists, makeup professionals, venue owners and more. We were all fed by the fantastic Le Papillon staff with loads of tasty hors d’œuvres and delicious champagne and local wine. I was mainly there to enjoy myself and network, but I snapped a few pics – it’s in my nature. Here’s a few below, there’s more over here. Enjoy, leave a comment.

BRIM Grand Opening / Fashion Show (Event Photography)

My good friend Joelle Cruz and wife Ana just held their grand opening event at their new boutique hat store named BRIM. It’s located in the Town and Country Shopping Center at the corner of Embarcadero and El Camino in Palo Alto, CA. This event was catered (awesome desserts by Mason Cookery), with a fashion show put on with many local stores as clothing and accessories sources, and models from HMM. Live music provided an upbeat background as the guests browsed the fantastic large print photography of destroyed Apple products by Michael Tompert and Paul Fairchild . I talked to Paul for a while about his brilliant commercial photography, and pressed him on how many injuries were suffered during the destruction-phase of the art project (there was blood). Their work has gained global recognition, simply google “destroyed apple” to find the compelling imagery they’ve created.

Joelle and Ana seemed to enjoy themselves, chatting up the many friends and business associates they’ve connected with over the years. The space was packed and everyone was thoroughly entertained. Many congratulations my friends, here’s to a successful launch of BRIM and a huge 2011 for the Cruz family. I’m posting my favorite photos from the evening below, there’s 239 edited photos in total to be viewed/ordered on my proofing site, www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Enjoy the shots, take off your shoes and leave a comment.

College Girls and Bunny Attack Capitola Beach (People Photography)

OK, so this shoot required some kind of sensational headline. To be honest, college girls aren’t exactly my target demographic, but in the next few years they could all be potential bride-clients, so you never know. Regardless, we all had a blast shooting at the fogged-in Capitola Beach this morning. It was 10am when we started, and of course we had the beach to ourselves. We stuck to the area around the wharf for the photos of the four girls and their (mascot?) bunny rabbit, Don Julio. Or was it Jose Cuervo? Doesn’t matter, I’m pretty sure bunnies aren’t allowed on the beach off leash. Or on leash, for that matter. We busted the Don out of his cage for a couple shots – but then quickly shut him back up. I tried to hold him but apparently he doesn’t like dudes, and he immediately shed half his fur onto my shirt – so there’s no love lost between us. Sorry, Don.

With the four girls, I couldn’t help but feel we were doing a Sex in the City: The Beginning photo shoot – I don’t know why, maybe because there’s four of them, maybe because they all have their own unique personalities, maybe because they’re all cute and bubbly, who knows. We all had fun with the shoot, and I hope I captured a few frames that will remind them of this time of their lives, their friendship and college camaraderie.

Here’s a few of my favorite photos from our beach photography session, there’s 63 edited photos that can be viewed and printed at my proofing site, www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Enjoy, and if you like what you see, please feel free to leave a comment!

Bill + Sue (10 Year Anniversary)

Sue wanted a special gift for her birthday this year, so she hired a pro photographer (yours truly) to help celebrate ten years of being together. Bill and Sue have had their fair share of life challenges, and I can tell you first hand their positive attitude towards the world has transformed their lives for the better and gotten them through rough times. I hope the images from our Seabright Beach photography session remind them of the bright future they have together.

My favorites are below, all 71 edited photos are available for viewing and printing at my proofing website, www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vanessa + David = Dawson (Newborn Photography)

Usually my family photography happens outdoors – at the park, beach, forest, field – you get the picture (har har). But newborns don’t like to go out in December – they prefer the warmth of a mother’s embrace, so Vanessa & David pumped up the heat to prepare two-week-old Dawson for the indignities of his very first professional photo shoot. Dawson’s Dad, David, is a drummer who plays for several local bands, so they wanted to have a little musical theme to their first son’s photography session. Of course we had to try a few shots with Dawson on top of a drum, which was pretty cool until he, um, relieved himself on the situation. Nothing a little blanket swap couldn’t fix! Throughout the shoot, Dawson was very aware with his bright blue eyes and awesome mohawk standing to attention. I haven’t done a ton of newborn photography before, so it was a great experience – I hope V&D are happy with the results.

Below are some of my faves from the shoot, there’s 74 edited photos in total to check out on my proofing and printing website, www.GoodEyePhotography.com

December 9, 2010 - 2:28 am Lisa Taylor - These photos are beautiful!! You captured Dawson in all of his extreme cuteness and Dave and Vanessa look wonderful.They're glowing! Great job:)

December 9, 2010 - 7:40 am Gary Roda - Great shots of a future rocker and his peeps! What a Family!

December 9, 2010 - 7:58 am Michele Kowalkowski - These pictures are awesome!! Chris captured the love of my life perfectly! I love them all.

December 9, 2010 - 8:24 am Arlene Barr - Awesome job! I think everyone needs to keep these pics....looks like little Dawson is a rock star already, they will definitely be worth something some day :) Absolutely beautiful.

December 9, 2010 - 8:25 am Leah Thomson - Love the incorporation of the drums and guitar case, very artistic. Pictures number 6 and 19 are my favorites!! Beautiful baby, beautiful work!!

December 9, 2010 - 8:28 am Alysia Bridges - Awesome pictures, such a beautiful family !

December 9, 2010 - 8:37 am Lisa Hagesteary - These are marvelous! My favorites are #'s 7 and 21. But then there's 27 and those toes in 20! What a great album. That little nephew of yours is so photogenic, Michele! Thanks for sharing them with us.

December 9, 2010 - 9:17 am Tony Katshen - Great photos! I love the Drum shots!!!!

December 9, 2010 - 9:27 am Camille Ramsey - Great shots! Love the family pics, especially #26. The drum ones are cute too!

December 9, 2010 - 9:42 am Marcia Wall - There is nothing like the raw beauty of a baby to bring out the best in a photographer. Beautiful photos on a beautiful baby.

December 9, 2010 - 11:50 am Angela Leavitt - Oh my gosh, those eyes! He is absolutely adorable. These photos are truly amazing.

December 9, 2010 - 11:59 am Auntie Emily Grace - my beautiful nephew is already a star! love the drums & guitar case, and with mum & dad shots. gorgeous work here. kudos to the photographer!

December 9, 2010 - 11:59 am Anney Banales - Beautiful photos! I can't believe he's only 2 weeks. Such precious innocence...

December 9, 2010 - 1:39 pm Linnsey Early - Beautiful! I love the perfectly coifed hair - so stylish:) They turned out amazing. I especially like the ones where his baby blues are highlighted, they're grrrrrreat!

December 9, 2010 - 2:07 pm David Harrah - What a cutie! Who does his hair? Good job, you two.

December 9, 2010 - 3:21 pm Kelly Turtle - Beautiful family and photos!

December 9, 2010 - 4:30 pm Suzy Nichols - So adorable! I love the mohawk - no wonder Michele can't stop talking about him! :)

December 9, 2010 - 9:42 pm Katlyn Shoemaker - We cannot wait to meet the Littlest Roda! These pictures are great guys!

December 10, 2010 - 8:54 am Tammy - These pictures are too cute.

December 10, 2010 - 12:52 pm Mary - So adorable!!

December 10, 2010 - 7:48 pm Mariana Nenadic Shanks - you made a good one, you guys!

December 10, 2010 - 10:28 pm chantelle - little dawson!!! i miss him already

December 10, 2010 - 10:28 pm charlie - so cute

December 11, 2010 - 7:03 am KIm - Beautiful baby boy, I'm so in love!

December 12, 2010 - 9:39 pm Nikki - He is PERFECT!!

December 12, 2010 - 10:30 pm stephanie sentman - great pics !! sooo soooo adorable!! I wish I had photos likes these when my little one was born. awesome!

December 12, 2010 - 11:21 pm Josie & Rich Buzzell (Gramma/Grammpa) - These photo's are all wonderful! They depict the essence of a loving family ...

December 13, 2010 - 8:17 am amanda - he has sooo much hair!!!! sooo cute! very creative and awsome photos:)

December 13, 2010 - 4:12 pm Sherlyn - Too, too cute. Best faux-hawk EVER!!

December 13, 2010 - 4:56 pm Annie ramsey - You are so lucky to photo this child it will launch your career because he is special and you are talented!!! Thank you!

December 13, 2010 - 5:40 pm Wendy - I LOVE the one where you guys are kissing him and hes not digging it! Super cute.

Kids Yoga (by Rachel Sattinger)

Rachel Sattinger is a local Santa Cruz Yoga teacher – we had a photography session for her Kids Yoga class at Pacific Edge Climbing Gym. She’s really great with the kids, incredibly patient and they all have as great time. Here’s a few of the photos I’d like to share, there’s more to check out at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Logan > Ryder (Brothers)

These little guys had a lot of fun playing with each other, running around the beach and chasing mom with sticks. Ah, boys will be boys! I ran around with them, doing my best to capture the moments. They were good enough to even pose for a few shots under the wharf, which turned out great. This was a really quick session for the family Christmas Card, so I’m sure we got something usable in there. My faves below, 68 total photos to check out on my proofing & printing website, www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Comment if ya got somethin’ to say…

Ristorante Don Giovanni (Food & Restaurant Photography)

It’s been several years since I last shot at Ristorante Don Giovanni in Mountain View. It’s a pretty tasty place to visit, definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area and looking for some italian cuisine. During this shoot, we got some new food/drink photos, some portraits of the owner, John Akkaya, some interiors and some behind-the-scenes kitchen shots. Here’s a few pics from the session, more to see on my proofing site, www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Craig + Danielle = Vaden (Family Photography)

Craig and Danielle are good friends of mine, and they have a beautiful baby boy named Vaden that now commands all their waking attention. But really, Vaden is the most mellow kid – my offspring were never so chill outside of REM sleep. He’s not only easygoing, but cute as hell, and these photos prove it! We met at Aldo’s, near Seabright Beach and the harbor, and took a bunch of photos around the concrete tetradons (jacks!), Walton lighthouse, and the beach in general. It was a beautiful day out for the first of December, so we took advantage of it.

My favorite photos are showcased below, there’s 107 edited photos that you can print or just look at on my proofing website, www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Enjoy, and please leave a comment.

Robin + Robert = Riley (Family Photography)

When I met up with this great little fam at Natural Bridges, I knew this little girl, Riley, was gonna make me earn my money – she’s got spunk, a little firecracker – and I loved photographing her. She breathes life into the family, much to her parents’ frustration at times I’m sure – but when you’re taking pictures, a little action and attitude is great. Riley brought along her schoolmate, Jake, to mind the dog when she wasn’t being featured in the group photos. Near the end of the session we were confronted by the most beautiful sunset I’ve seen in a long time, there was just such a variety in color and texture, likely because of the recent storms. There were at least three other photographers out there, which is probably why I was also confronted by the local peace officer. Having the dog along didn’t help as they, um, aren’t allowed. But all’s well that ends well, and the P.O. let me get a few last shots of the fam against the crazy sunset.

Here’s a few of my favorite photographs from the session, there’s 85 edited photos in total to view and print at my proofing site, www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

December 7, 2010 - 8:14 am Robin - Chris: The photos are AMAZING. I cannot tell you how much I absolutely love all of them. You may have turned a family who has shied from the camera for 6 years into family photo fanatics. Watch out... we're definitely having you take our photo's again. Thank you so much for making the photo shoot fun. I wished we'd known you when we were planning our wedding! Maybe you should rename your business EXCELLENTeye.

December 7, 2010 - 9:11 am Patti Kirsch - These photos are so beautiful and natural. I know this family, and you have really captured their essence. Fabulous photography! The sunset photos are amazing.

December 7, 2010 - 11:01 am Betty - These pictures are wonderful! I can't decide which I like the best.

December 7, 2010 - 4:52 pm Ruth McCarthy - Great to see pictures that bring out the natural beauty & energy of this family.

December 8, 2010 - 6:27 am sue - Beautiful photos. Really amazing!

December 9, 2010 - 12:45 am Dana Brent - These are awesome pictures! I love the color contrasts and the simple love and happiness that comes through!

December 22, 2010 - 6:36 am Sharon Wood - Robin, The pictures are amazing! So glad you got together with the photographer for such beautiful memories for your family. The photos are absolutely stunning.