Wedding Photography Palm Springs Riviera Hotel
Christine Arnold Photography in Palm Springs

Wedding Photography Palm Springs Riviera Hotel

This Riviera Hotel wedding was just stunning from beginning to end. Taryn and her girls got ready in a room specially set aside for them by Darin from the hotel. They provided snacks and champagne. Team Hair and Makeup worked on all of the girls. It was a wonderful buzz of energy in the room. This image is Taryn checking the finished product, I love the juxtaposition of her partial face along with the partial view of the Marylin Monroe artwork in the background. Both with the ruby red lips and dramatic eyes. I like it in black and white because it takes away any other distractions in the image and forces you to focus on double image.


This evocative black-and-white photograph captures a moment of quiet contemplation and transformation, focusing on a woman as she gazes into a mirror. The image is rich with nuance and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into an intimate and almost cinematic scene.

The woman’s face is the focal point, partially reflected in a handheld mirror that she holds up to her face. Her expression is one of concentration and slight introspection, as if she is in the midst of preparing for an important event. Her lips are painted a dark, glossy hue, contrasting starkly against the monochrome tones of the photograph. The reflection highlights her carefully applied makeup, particularly her full lips and delicately winged eyeliner, which give her an air of classic glamour.

Her hair, styled in loose waves, frames her face softly, adding to the overall elegance of her appearance. The lighting casts gentle shadows and highlights across her features, emphasizing the contours of her face and the texture of her skin. The angle of the mirror creates a dynamic composition, drawing the viewer's eye to the mirrored image while also revealing a sliver of the actual subject.

In the background, there is an abstract portrait that dominates the wall, its oversized, enigmatic face blurred slightly, adding an element of mystery to the scene. The eyes and lips of the portrait seem to echo the woman’s own features, creating a subtle visual dialogue between the subject and the artwork. This connection suggests themes of identity and self-perception, as if the woman is seeing not just her reflection but also a different version of herself within the artwork.

Another figure, slightly out of focus, stands to the right, dressed in a floral-patterned garment. This person appears to be engaged in their own activity, adding depth to the scene and a sense of everyday life continuing in the background. The floral pattern contrasts with the starkness of the woman's makeup and the minimalist tones of the rest of the photograph, adding a touch of softness and complexity to the composition.

The setting, likely a dressing room or a private space, feels both personal and artistic. The soft focus on the surroundings contrasts with the sharp clarity of the woman’s reflection, emphasizing her presence and the moment's significance. The choice of black and white elevates the image, lending it a timeless quality and focusing attention on the interplay of light, shadow, and texture.

This photograph captures more than just a preparation moment; it reveals a layer of introspection and transformation. The woman's poised demeanor suggests a readiness to step into a role or an occasion, while the mirror symbolizes self-examination and the multifaceted nature of identity. The background elements, particularly the abstract portrait, add depth and invite contemplation about the connection between one's outward appearance and inner self.

Overall, this image is a striking study in contrasts and reflections, blending elements of fashion, art, and personal narrative into a compelling visual story. It speaks to the viewer on multiple levels, inviting interpretations about beauty, identity, and the quiet moments that precede significant life events.

Location: 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, Ca 92262.

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