My Last Post of January 2008!

I still can't believe its 2008. What ever happened to 2005? Still feels like I should be standing in line for that whole coming of age Darth Vader flick, how about you? The years already 1/12th of the way over and I still have so much to accomplish before diaper boy comes back around to drop the apple! Through the month of January I've been occupied sitting behind this here computer screen, wishing that I could be out on the field taking pictures of pretty shiny things, getting all caught up on my past shoots, and I'm almost done.

For those of you that have been patiently waiting, I will be detailing the last of my work over the following week before jumping on a plane next Thursday for a wedding in Oahu.

First thing tomorrow I'll dive right into the engagement of Kasey and Emily in Beverly Hills, CA, possibly my favorite engagement shoot yet right next to December 07's Kristie and Ron in NYC. I've been looking forward to showing it off. Until then.....

John and Brittany (Part 4) Anchorage, Alaska

This will be my last post for John and Brittany. These remaining shots stood out to me this morning as I was closing the door on their wedding and getting prepped up to work on others. I'd like to thank John and Brittany for having me out in Anchorage. Alex and Kimber's wedding in June of 07 is something that I have very fond memories of, and I will cherish this experience as well. It was especially great getting to know you guys (and seeing Alex and Kimber again - always a treat meeting up with former clients). John, if you ever go back to Iraq, take care of yourself.

John and Brittany (Part 3) Anchorage, Alaska

John and Brittany (Part 2) Anchorage, Alaska

After taking a diversion this weekend with 80's flashbacks, I've returned to my promised part 2 of John and Brittany. This time, I center in on John and his boys and then continue on with the ceremony. In my observations, John is a man of few words, but when he speaks, watch out. He surprised everyone, and wowed the ladies, especially Brittany, by belting out a song during the ceremony in a glorious New Kids-N'Sync-Backstreet-98 Degrees fashion. Look out Timberlake.

Noel Wants More Reaganomics

Ah, the 80's. Shopping Malls, synthesizers, spandex, neon, guys in pink shirts, the birth of the great trilogies (Star Wars, Indy, Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Missing in Action, Rambo), the Cold War, My Buddy (and Kid Sister), GI Joe, Teddy Ruxpin, the Hoff, the Huxstable's Residence, the Moonwalk, MacGyver, and Reading Rainbow: that was the 80's. What a great decade. Much in the same way that the 1950's and America's Camelot made a come-back in the mid 70's, so it seems that all things 80's is in the spotlight now, and this generation X-er is ready for it.

Anybody else watch this guy this weekend? Took the day off on Friday with about 100 other solo dudes who ditched work to see it on opening day. I have to say it, Stallone is one heck of a good writer and director now days. With last years Rocky Balboa and now Rambo, an aging Stallone has penned two wonderful love letters for his adoring fans. He basically pulled the car up to the curb and gestured us to jump in for one more spin around the block, and I loved every minute of the ride. Good-bye Rambo and Rocky... blessed childhood.... loved you dearly.

Then of course there's this guy in May. Can't wait.

The 80's are back in all its glory. Goonies II or Back to the Future IV: Biff's Time Travel Adventure anyone?

It's a Small World.... And Getting Smaller

The Rainforest Contains

>Over 200,000 Indigenous people living in hundreds of communities.
>More species of plants and animals than all of the earth’s other ecosystems combined.
>Over 3,000 fruits of which only 200 are used in the Western World.
>Plants used as treatments and cures for hundreds of diseases and health maladies.
>The highest concentration of life energy on Earth.
>70% of all plants active against cancer.
>50% of all oxygen you breathe.
>80% of all the earth’s surface vegetation.

The Disappearing Rainforests

We are losing Earth's greatest biological treasures just as we are beginning to appreciate their true value. Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover a mere 6% and experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years.

One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both developing and industrial countries.

Rainforests are being destroyed because the value of rainforest land is perceived as only the value of its timber by short-sighted governments, multi-national logging companies, and land owners.

Nearly half of the world's species of plants, animals and microorganisms will be destroyed or severely threatened over the next quarter century due to rainforest deforestation.

Experts estimate that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation. That equates to 50,000 species a year. As the rainforest species disappear, so do many possible cures for life-threatening diseases. Currently, 121 prescription drugs sold worldwide come from plant-derived sources. While 25% of Western pharmaceuticals are derived from rainforest ingredients, less that 1% of these tropical trees and plants have been tested by scientists.

Thank you to RainTree and Amazon Herb

John and Brittany (Part 1) Anchorage, Alaska

Ah, Alaska! The snow, the bone crunching cold, the sun that never really rises... Such fresh, brisk air, that's winter in Alaska. And how I love the place, a weekend though it may be. It was the first of the year and I had been traveling across the United States since mid-November. I was both physically and mentally tired, carrying a sickness that seemed to linger for weeks, and the long flights to and fro didn't sound at all exciting (and trust me, they were anything but that). Still, when I touched down in Anchorage, stepped out of those sliding airport doors, and walked upon the ice in my heeled Italian shoes, I recognized such a surge of energy and inspiration that I felt at that moment that I could have gone on for another month if needed. That's Alaska, just like I remembered it.

I spent three nights in Anchorage. The first two nights I slept for 10 hours each! I hadn't had an 8 hour night of sleep in weeks. Ironic, almost, that I had to travel all the way up to Alaska to get caught up on rest (and the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Volume 2), but it felt great.

For my first post, I spend some time with Brittany and her ladies as they get ready for a date with John. Now, let me tell you, being a lone guy in a room full of girls as they prepare for a big day, and with a camera, mind you, can be a very dangerous thing. After six years of marriage, I still try to keep out my wife's way, be quick with my responses when being asked about looks, and above all else, be diplomatic. But when you involve a camera in the mix, things can get dangerous. Point the lens in the right direction at the wrong time and you're likely to get poked in the eyes with mascara or find a chalk-full of powder in the mouth. There have been a few weddings, I think, where I have arrived at the ceremony looking like a deranged clown.

It may be a combat zone, but in a long line of Bruce Willis types, I'm a Die Hard photo-journalistic warrior, at least when it pertains to Saturdays (and sometimes Fridays and Sundays). Just call it my patriotic duty to the expressions of the human soul.

The Wedding of Dustin and Natalie - Maryland

Two wonderful things happened to me today. Firstly, I made sure that our Christmas tree successfully made it to the curb in time for the trash truck. Secondly, I worked on my last wedding shoot of 2007, marking this evening as the first night that I've officially been living in 2008.

I first met Dustin and Natalie in my hometown of Long Beach, California last July for their engagement shoot. We had planned to take their photos out in the Twentynine Palms area, possibly Joshua Tree National Park, but with a sweltering heat wave of about 120 degrees blow drying the desert, we made a last minute excursion in favor of some coastal breeze. I've added two pictures from their engagement session, the first with a favorite landmark of mine, the Queen Mary (grandchild of the Titanic), and the second taken under the Seal Beach Pier. We had lots of fun. Their energy level really kept me on my feet.

For their wedding, traffic converged into a little Maryland town on December 30, 2007. I've selected a bakers dozen and few more photos that really stuck out to me on the cutting room floor today. A few of them, I know you'll see why, and others, you might just say "whaaa?". But either way, enjoy.

Heath Ledger, Leaving Too Soon

I've never used outside source photos before on my blog, but thought this might be an appropriate time to start. I am saddened to learn about the death of Heath Ledger earlier today from an apparent drug overdose in his NY home. Many, if not most of us, know that he is staring this next summer as the Joker in Dark Knight, the anticipated sequel to Batman Begins. His passing is yet another candle snuffed out from Hollywood's bright future. He was only a year older than I. Be it of no use to Heath now, may it be of consolation to us all when I say "we love you, man."

Alex and Kimber - Anchorage, Alaska

Its always a strange feeling meeting up with old clients again. For the most part, I typically assume that I am just the photographer from that wedding day so long ago for most people. But for me its different. If a shoot goes really well - meaning that I recycle those photographs over and over again for other purposes - I become so used to the images of these individuals and couples (seeing their reflections on a daily basis) that I feel like they become a part of who I am because those cherished photographs have become apart of my identity.

Seeing Alex and Kimber again was such a feeling. I jokingly told Kimber that her face has made me a lot of money, but well, its true. I've used one of her wedding day shots from last June in Anchorage more than any other to advertise or showcase my work. To show my gratitude towards Alex and Kimber for putting their trust into my vision at the beginning of a career when I had very little to show, I met them on a cold winter day in January for a free photo shoot; one which I hope they enjoyed.

The Wedding of John and Brittany (Preview) Anchorage, Alaska

When I decided to go into my own business almost a year ago, I was one of those learners in deep need of a serious education when I exclaimed to myself "this will be great! No boss, no clocks, my own schedule, and all the time off that I want!" Of course, then came the pillar of reality - work seven days a week, a schedule consisting of about 7:30am - 9 or 10pm almost daily, no promise of paycheck from week to week, and no one to keep me accountable, which meant that the responsibility, in every area, was all mine.

Well, I've decided to do something absolutely original and revolutionary today; I've taken a complete 24 hours off - and Sunday of all days! And it feels great.

I did take a little time off from time off this evening (in-between viewings of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles - thank you George) to work on this one image. The pic took me a little over an hour to perfect and it's from the wedding of John and Brittany in Anchorage, Alaska, depicting the bride and groom in air guitar action. This week, I hope to continue my blog entries with a wedding in DC, a shoot with favorites Kimber and Alex in Anchorage, and of course, the wedding of John and Brittany.

I'm glad the two of you enjoyed your time spent on Oahu. I hope you left the wonderful warm weather behind on your way back to cold Alaska, because I'll be landing on those sweet, sweet pineapple tasting, coconut sipping, and chocolate laced beaches in a couple of weeks.

The Engagement of Kasey and Emily (Preview) Beverly Hills, California

This is going to be a very quick post today because, at the moment, I'm trying to hurry out the door with a donut and a cup of coffee in one hand and a toothbrush in the other. Its also probably very unethical to post an incomplete picture on this blog, but I've been working on it for a couple of hours now and didn't want to leave without letting some form of it see the light of day.

Sam and Nina in Washington DC

Last night I had this wild dream that I had woken up in the morning sporting a killer beard, all fuzzy and everything, and best yet, without a streak of gray. When I woke up to a very disapointing reality without a thick stream of facial hair and several gray streaks on the top of my head I took it as a vision to set all my other duties aside and work on this Sam and Nina shoot. Sam, of course, was looking very fashionable in his newly acquired beard since the last time I had seen him, and I was really digging it.

This was my third photo session with Sam and Nina, and all in a six month period. I first got to know them last July at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (The Outer Banks), for their engagement session. I photographed their wedding in October at Virginia Beach, Virginia, and now met them in the District of Columbia. I'd like to think there's a pattern here; everytime we get together for photos we're in a different state. Maybe California next time?

I'd actually like to thank Sam and Nina for being so flexible and coming out to meet with me on an uncertain schedule. Adding to that, they were both feeling under the weather, as was I, but just like a couple GI Joe action figures, they went into combat despite being ruthlessly shot at by my camera. Hopefully it didn't hurt too much.

Sarah Goes to Washington (Part 3) National Mall and Zoo

January 31st, final 24 hours of the year; this was our sixth and last day in DC. Two of my days here were pre-occupied with work, having a wedding and a couples post-wedding shoot that I will spotlight here on this blog in the next couple of days. Being the last day in DC, we were frantic trying to fit in all the last minute details. We were at Capitol Hill first thing in the morning in order to meet with out local representatives and get a tour of the House. Rummaging through the building, we were dismayed to find all of our Californian representatives to be out for the day. Newspapers, of course, were stacked at their doors, while other states were open for business (without a collection of newspapers). All this to say, we never had the tour.

I absolutely love elephants. Whenever I go to a zoo, most of my time is spent with these big guys. We felt fortunate to watch a daily bathing ritual.

For those of you who have been DC, you'll probably agree with me that this is one of those Mecca shots that everyone tries to get in order to show their friends how creative they are back home. Watching so many people attempt this, I guess I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Apparently, Sarah is trying to eat the Capitol Building Big Mac style. She said it didn't taste very good.

Sarah Goes to Washington (Part 2) DC

My birthday was on December 28th. If you're curious to know my age, figure out the year of each birthday. The weather forecast was looking grim for the rest of our stay, so we decided to utilize the last of what appeared to be clear weather by ice skating first thing in the morning. Of course, the weather turned out just fine for the rest of the week. We try to go ice skating every Christmastime in downtown Los Angeles, but because I was so busy throughout the month of December it was nice to mix up the scenery at the National Mall.

On the steps of the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill we had a tour reserved.

Another tour, this time in the Library of Congress (and another National Treasure 2 location). The insides of this building is absolutely breathtaking and deserves a visit just to admire every little piece of thought-provoking architectural beauty.

Sarah Goes to Washington (Part 1) Mount Vernon, Virginia

As much of you know, about 75% or more of my photography work over this past year has been out of state, and most of that on the East Coast. Unfortunitely, Sarah is not usually able to go with me on these business trips, and so we've spent a lot of time apart over the last year. Sarah has gone to DC frequently over the last year, as have I, but we've never been there together before. Not long ago, we actually just missed each other by about a week. We left for DC on December 26, 2007.

Just a few days before coming to DC, Sarah and I saw National Treasure 2 at our local cinema. If you recently saw that movie then you should recall that Nicholas Cage played hooky with the president of the US of A while at a party here at Mount Vernon. It was pretty cool being on the same turf as Nic Cage. Of course, George Washington once lived here, a long, long, long time ago. But who's living in the past anyhow? Nicholas Cage was here, wwwwoooooo!

This is the audio tour describing all the things that Nicholas Cage did while he was here.

Look, its George Washington's cow, T.J..

Aawwww, T.J. doesn't have any friends.

This is the map showing all the places that Nic Cage visited while at Mt. Vernon. It also shows where Brad Pitts father-in-law went fishing in the movie. Apparently he wasn't able to catch any fish because of some problems with authorities.

Visiting Walt Disney World, Again.... and Again

My younger brothers birthday is on December 14. Seeing as how he is in a photography class in high school (and a photography club that apparently has never once met), I thought it might be fun to bring Ryan out on this business trip to Florida with me. I labeled him my intern for the weekend, but he much preferred to be an apprentice. For the most part, he carried my bags and kept watch over my gear while I photographed the wedding of Gustavo and Danna (on his birthday). I was actually supposed to have a very busy schedule, with a shoot in Orlando and another one out in Tampa Bay, but because both of those cancelled at the last minute we had a lot of time on our hands.

So, Walt Disney World it is. Having gone down that road before, I think I'm a bit burnt out on the place. That should come at no surprise once understanding that this was my third visit to WDW this year alone, though Ryan's first ever. Of course, there's no better way to experience Florida than with a nice, hot sweaty game of miniature golf in the rain at WDW's Fantasia Gardens.

Look closely and you'll see that wonderful Florida rain. That night, a cold front in lovely Mr. Rogers sweater wearing fashion swept down from the north and pounded the area with Tornadoes. For the following two days, the meter continued to drop from its predicted shorts attire weather to a brisk 30 something degrees upon our departure.

There is this fun little easily overlooked sideshow attraction at Epcot where you can taste different soda products from around the world for free. My favorite is the honey flavored soda from Israel. Ryan's ghastly expression comes after tasting the planets worst soda drink, not only in the world but in all of the universe and cosmos of space and time and E=MC2 Twilight Zone dimensions combined. Its called Beverly, and it comes from Italy. It's very bitter but apparently quite popular in its hometown.

Test Track at 64.7 miles an hour.

Ah, nothing like a layover at the George Bush International Airport in Texas and a photo romp with the larger than life statue image of our 41st president.

The Wedding of Gustavo and Danna (Part 4) Miami, Florida

This will conclude my time spent at the Wedding of Gustavo and Danna in Miami on December 14, 2007. Maybe its just the Miami culture in general or its the genius Napoleon-styled battle tactics of the bride and groom, but their reception was the most fun that I've ever had at a wedding. I'd like to think that Gustavo and Danna simply know how to put on a killer party. There was some real sweat splashing around on that dance floor. Thanks for inviting me out guys. Keep me updated on whats going on with you two. As for you other Floridians out there, I can't wait to return to Miami again someday. Invite me soon.

The Wedding of Gustavo and Danna (Part 3) Miami, Florida

The Wedding of Gustavo and Danna (Part 2) Miami, Florida

The Wedding of Gustavo and Danna (Part 1) Miami, Florida

Series 2 Advertising Campaign

In early October 2007, I shared my collection of advertising cards on this blog. This is my second series unleashed for the new year. They can be found online in different cities around the world but also physically at David's Bridal in Burbank, California. Each card designates a slightly different character of my photographic side - the elegant, formal, fantasy, cute, serious, artistic, gritty, documentary and photo-journalistic realistic. Another words, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

For this second series, I have three altering phrases: Candy for the Eyes and Photography for the Soul, Taste the Freshness, and Certified Gen-Y Freshness. If you have a favorite, be sure to write in and let me know which one. I'm always eager to hear criticisms that can lend either way.

The Wedding of David and Lynne (part 3) West Hartford, Connecticut

I'd like to thank David and Lynne for having me out to Hartford for their wedding. It was my first time to Connecticut and a trip that I'll never forget. I hope my pictures provided a unique and enjoyable documentive eye for your special day.

This concludes blog updates on this event. Next, I'll unravel the wedding happenings of the following weekend in Miami, Florida.

The Wedding of David and Lynne (part 2) West Hartford, Connecticut

The Wedding of David and Lynne (part 1) West Hartford, Connecticut

Its been almost a month since I've posted on here. I've been traveling back and forth across the country since mid November, and I just finished up with my last out-of-state wedding for a while - in Anchorage, by the way - so have had little time between plane flights and family holiday gatherings to get much work done on here. All of that is about to change. I'm completely exhausted and glad to be back home, but have piles (so to speak) of pictures to sort through.

For all of you out there anticipating viewing your wedding or photo session pictures (and I've recieved a lot of phone calls), do note that I hope to have everything up and running within the next two to three weeks.

My first year of photography has been a wild success. I'd like to thank everyone near and far who shared in my vision of artistry to invite me out to your wedding. I had a blast. Each couple over the last year has provided a unique quality that has given a new perspective to my photography. Another words, you all have contributed to my artistic growth, and I hope that I have provided excellent documentation of these special times in your lives in the process.

I'll begin where I left off last - my trip to New York and Connecticut. I met David and Lynne in West Hartford, Connecticut the day before their wedding. We went out to a baseball field, where the two met while their children played in the league, to capture these photos. I let them go out there and do their thing and had a lot of fun watching them do just that, their thing.

During the course of the shoot, a soft assortment of snowflakes began to fall on what was left over of a dry, autumn ground. I'd like to think that it had something to do with the magic of my photography, especially considering that Lynne and I had so many e-mail conversations in the months leading up to this event talking about the wintery snow conditions in Connecticut. I had made it clear to her that I wanted to experience a true East Coast winter, unlike my Los Angeles experiences year after year. Well, there you have it.

Tomorrow I'll keep the flow going with part 2 of the Wedding of David and Lynne.