The Menor Family

It was fun and a pleasure to shoot my friend Joe and his family. I've known Joe since the 3rd grade and his wife Cathy since college. It's great to see how happy a family they've both been able to put together. The images turned out great! We had a chance to get out to Seal Beach and enjoy part of the day with them. See you guys soon!

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Michelle and Tom (Engagement)

We shot Michelle and Tom's engagement this past weekend at Pine St. in Long Beach. They did a great job in making what we do look easy. We started at Wasabe's and made our way up and down Pine St. We capped off our session with a beautiful sunset at Shoreline Village not too far away. I can't wait to shoot them at the bowling alley on the way to their reception in a couple of months. Great job guys.

My "Snap Shots" at Disneyland

A while back I was at Disneyland with the kids and I wanted to capture an image of the statue of Walt and Mickey. But I wanted an image that wasn't simply a "walk up to it, then click" picture. If you had ever been here (which is most likely everybody) you would know that this statue is always crowded with people around it. The parade was about to start so I got a bit lucky in that there was no one around it except for that lady on the lower right.















And here's a simple rendition of a very common image taken at Disneyland.
















And the gurlz!

Sunset Beach

During spring break I took some shots of Jag's kids at Sunset Beach. The kids had a great time playing around in the sand and water and even got their Dad to take a picture with them! After hearing "Come on I don't wanna do this!" at least 20 times he sat right down and put on a great big smile! The pictures were for their Grandaddy's birthday...I'm sure he'll like them!

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The Huntington

Here was a fun shoot from this past weekend. I got to meet some new people and made some new friends. It's was a lot of fun! In between shoots I got a chance to take some of the shots I really enjoy doing, candid people moments. Thanks Eileen and Karen for setting this up. You guys did a great job and everyone had a great time! I look forward to future shoots!

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Megan and Chad's Storybook

Here you go guys! Your album is set and ready for viewing. Take care and let's talk very soon!

Megan and Chad's Wedding

The slide show is ready!!! Megan and Chad's intimate wedding show-cased a lot of fun and a bunch of love. It was great seeing the two of them again and meeting their families, friends, and relatives. It was a pleasure to be a part of their special day and we wish them the very best! I'm hoping that they get a chance to see the slide show before they leave for their ship tomorrow. I did tell them that I'd have something done by Sunday and unfortunately there were just too many good images to choose from. Here's 67 of some of the images that I felt were great with so much more to view.

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The Roller Family

Another great shoot! Of course Milton, Tina, and HaiLee were wonderful to work with.

I want to thank you guys for a real cool session this past weekend. Your images turned out fabulous and the camera just absolutely loved HaiLee! I got a bit soaked but it was worth it because we got some images that'll last a lifetime. Enjoy!!!

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Same Product, Different Pictures

Here's a shot of HollywoodRX's Belle Levres brand exfoliant creme for your lips. Virtually shot as a typical product shoot would have it (gave it my own twist, though). I wanted the "Belle Levres" shadow to be prominent and I also wanted to illustrate definition in the edges of the clear top. The top of the product case is clear plastic and blended into the white background making the product look like it had no cover. I wanted to hold the detail and enhance the curvature in the back. The image was taken with an off camera sb800 speedlight, Nikon D2x, 28-70 afs. Shutter set to 1/3 at f8. Speedlight set to -1.3.












Same product completely different look. Here's an example of how painting with light could provide interesting and maybe better results. Nikon D2x, 28-70 afs, shutter set to 10 seconds at f8. I used a, Inova penlight to get this effect.

Cost, Value, and Price

Last week I was in Santa Ana finishing up a project where we had hired Randy Logan as our technical advisor. Randy is a highly saught after photographer for the commercial industry. I have had the pleasure of working with him as well as seeing him in action. He is no doubt a genius behind the camera. His work speaks for itself, however, it's his desire to help other photographers enhance their skills through words of encouragement and great advice that makes him different.

As we were clearing up, and our project winding down I spoke to Randy about general aspects that went on over the past couple of days. What I got will stick with me for quite sometime!!!

Randy was speaking about our two day shoot when he told me the story of Salvador Dali, the famous painter.

Salvador Dali was asked to draw a sketch for a restaurant by it's eventual owner one day. Dali sat down and as he waited for his meal he took out a pad and writing intruments and drew a sketch for the person. After completing the sketch, the owner asked how much he owed Dali. Dali told him that he owed him $10,000. The owner wanted to know why he had to pay that much considering it only took Dali all but 5 minutes to draw the sketch. Dali explained to him, "It didn't take me 5 minutes, it took me 35 years."

Wheels

Here is a product shot for a set of wheels that Sire Skateboards is using for their line of long boards. I'll be going in soon to shoot the boards themselves where I'll be looking for something relatively unique. i've seen other skateboard companys and I have an idea of what the end results should look like. Now it's just getting the ligts setup.






















Both images shot at f16 for depth of field. 2 Nikon strobes (wireless) with diffusers. D2x 28-70 2.8 afs

I Don't Only Take Pictures Of People

I've noticed lately that there are some photographers out there that only shoot people and people only. The reverse is true as well for product, landscape and so on. I took for granted the notion that once you posses the skills to photograph you can apply those skills elsewhere and be a stellar photographer in each and every single genre. I was under the impression that if you shoot people well then you can shoot anything and handle any assignment that would come your way. I have been affiliated with photography for over 15 years and I have always thought this until I asked a friend to see if he wanted to shoot product with me. He is an established wedding photographer who is very good at capturing that special moment but I felt as though I punched him in the face when I asked him to assist me with a product shoot. He simply didn't know how to shoot product. I then wondered if I knew any more like him. I found out that I know a relatively popular photographer who is known for shooting wildlife and landscape but really doesn't like to shoot people. When I saw his people shots I found out why. It was as if he was a point and shoot beginner it was so bad. His people shots were horrible!!! Yet he teaches photography, granted it's wildlife photography. You would think that the same principles apply to all sorts of photography and that all he would need to do is take what he does in wildlife and landscape and apply something similar with people. I now know of several wedding photographers who can't shoot product, flying birds, or even landscape if their life depended on it as well. It's strange to say the least. But if you think of it, just having a series 7 license in the securities industry doesn't necessarily qualify you to provide advice in the several genres associated with securities. You may specialize in equities but not in trading options. Apparently the same applies in photography. Although I have made it mandatory for myself to know and be able to shoot all aspects of photography, knowing the essentials of each genre and understanding how to utilize light for each specific situation within that genre....it's certainly very very very different from genre to genre.

To all my buddies out there with a camera...you'll make more money with it if you continue to learn about your industry.

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O'Neil Regional Park

I was out with Brooke and Skylar yesterday doing a little location scouting in South County. We ended up going to O'Neil Regional Park which is located 3 miles form Cook's Corner. Once you get to those parts it's like you're not in South County anymore. Anyone interested, just take El Toro Rd. to where it essentially ends (Cook's Corner ~ biker hangout). The park was pretty dry and the large flowing stream that centers the park wasn't evident at all. I still managed to get the girls doing some fun things though. Overall, it's a nice scenic area with some real cool backdrops. It may even be a better location when things are a bit greener.




















Funny story to the picture below. Skylar was kicking the leaves up and stomping on them. Unfortunately, one of her stomps found a hole underneath the leaves about 12 inches in diameter and pretty deep. Needless to say her entire left leg went into that hole and she fell to the ground. She got up quickly and was unhurt but her shoe came off and it appeared that it was somewhere deep in that hole. Instead of risking the loss of my hand, arm, or whatever to whatever was down there I just told her, "Don't worry honey, Daddy will get you a new pair." She didn't mind she was looking to find a way out of walking anyways.

The Warken Family

Eric, Christie, Brooke, and Jacob had a blast. The water was a bit on the cold side but it didn't stop us from taking great pictures. After 13 years of marriage Christie and Eric decided to take the family out for a shoot for the first time. It was a day that created wonderful memories for their future. I hope they look back at some of these images and reflect on how great of a family they have. Thanks guys, it was a pleasure!

Greatest Horse Ever!!!

I got a chance to see this old clip of Secretariat win the Triple Crown in 1973. The great Citation did it in 1948 and since then no horse had done it. Secretariat will always be remembered for his win in The Belmont. How could you ever forget it? Jack Nicklaus (the golfer) was quoted as saying that Secretariat's performance was the closest he has ever seen to perfection. I must have watched his Belmont performance hundreds of times and I still get goose bumps. It's insane.! I had to throw this up on the blog!!!

Megan and Chad Engagement

Wow....you guys weren't kidding when you said you were laid back! And that's a good thing! Your images came out great as you'll see in the show. Wishing you two all the luck in the world!!!!

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Surprise!

Surprise party's are always fun shoots. Carol's family put on a fantastic show and made the night memorable for their Mom. It was a fantastic evening in a place with a lot of character. The food was great and ambiance was wonderful. Great job guys! You made your Mom very happy, the images show it!

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Joy and Clifford

After several revisions on my end, Joy and Cliff's album is done. There are some things I woul dlike to clean up but for the most part the design layout is complete. Hope you guys enjoy it.

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The Broad Family

Laguna Beach seems to be the place of choice for most! How can you argue, it's beautiful. We were at the Montage Resort and Melanie, Michael, Stephanie, and Megan looked great and had a wonderful time.

It was great meeting you guys and I hope you all enjoy your images from that day. Thank you for your energy and spirit! It made the images!

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Your Kids All Grew Up!!! Happy Birthday, Mom!

Janet, Debbie, Tami, George, and Christie (from left to right)wanted to give their mom something special for her birthday coming up in a couple of weeks. I was more than happy and felt privileged to have assisted in their task. I think we put together a series of wonderful images that'll put smiles on everyone's faces for years to come.

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Brandi and Ronnie

Brandi and Ronnie had a good time this past Friday. It was a bit on the cold side but the weather didn't hamper any of the results. Too many good shots to choose from as far as a personal favorite from the group, Brandi just played it up...I thought you were nervous!!!! See you guys soon!!!

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