Nature…. and Thor
I forced my brother to take some pics down at the beach yesterday because he has become quite the Thor as of late. He did it reluctantly and didn’t know I would be posting a pic either 
I just wanted him to have some cool shots of ”Back when I was in the best shape of my life” when he gets older. I am only posting the one for now so he doesn’t kill me! Besides that, it was a beautiful day at the beach and so I snapped a few other shots of the surroundings on our walk to the water. Good times!
A Star is born!
This picture and the one below are from a casual session I did with my niece and nephew over Mother’s Day weekend. I will be posting a set later, but in the meantime I wanted to share this beautiful little girl and her SUPER younger brother in the post below.
My niece in this picture loves to pose for the camera, dress up pretty and ham up activities. She would be perfect as a little actress. For now, I will be her paparazzi.
10 Year Anniversary Gift
I am kicking off 2012 with a few shots from a recent session I did with my brother and sister-in-law. I offered to take photos of them as a gift for their anniversary and the happily accepted. This was my first attempt at a “session” like this with a couple. I definitely learned a few things by making mistakes, but overall it was a great experience and I look forward to next time. I love these guys below!
Have a great 2012!
They are not afraid to let loose and just be silly – I felt this picture captured that silliness
Having Fun!
This time, it’s for real…
This last week I was honored when a good friend asked if I would photograph his family portrait. Of course I said YES, that was a no brainer. But, with that answer, this was no longer a fun hobby to take “meaningless” pictures…I had to deliver for a family’s memories! So, needless to say, nervousness set in. I was pretty calm until the day of the shoot – the importance of not screwing up really set in!
However, this family is one of the nicest you could ever meet and made me feel like one of them. The atmosphere was very casual, calm, and playful as you can see in the photos. The time of day in these shots was a little later than preferred, making the light a bit harsh, but I think they turned out good considering that fact. After the “official” family shots, we all kinda just hung out on the beach during that beautiful CA morning. This gave way to the kids playing and the other family members getting involved. I was able to capture a few candid shots of a family just enjoying each other. It was awesome.
I think the family thought I was doing them a favor, but in reality they were doing me a favor by helping me to really focus on delivering something worthwhile. And for that, I say “Thank You!” Below is a sample of some of the shots. Click for bigger versions.
It was worth it…
This last Friday it rained most of the day. As the rain stopped and the clouds began to clear, my wife and I decided to take the dogs out for a brief walk. Now I live on the 3rd floor of my building so when I went outside I was able to see that the ensuing sunset would probably be awesome (I could only see enough sky to be teased at what might be)! So, at that moment I decided that I had to see what the full sunset turned out looking like – I went back for my camera and car keys and decided to bolt up to a high ground I know to see if there was a view. I invited my wife and dogs, but they wanted to stay and pee on things (primarily the dogs, that is).
After I was at the spot for about 15 minutes, shooting pics, it hit me that on my dash out of the apartment I locked the door because I fully expected my wife to join me! Mind you it was pretty chilly this time of day and my wife, who needs a blanket when it is 75 outside, was in a T-Shirt and pajama pants with the dogs… and now locked outside. So after it finally hit me that my wife was locked out, probably freezing and without a phone, I [took a few more photos] bolted back home. When I arrived it had been about 30 minutes since I left and she was out on the sidewalk giving me a look that seemed to say “well, what do you have to say for yourself?” I just rolled the window down and said “SORRY”… Turns out she was very understanding and didn’t care. Whew!
I reached my spot and had a pretty nice view for such short notice. The sunset/sky/clouds were amazing. The natural grandeur of a “simple” sunset after a rain is breathtaking. I wish I could have spent a bit longer out there, but I was happy with what I was able to see and the few photos I shot.
Sign out where I was shooting
Portraits
This was my first attempt a portraits. I definitely enjoyed the process, but have a ways to go. I can tell that this is a genre of photography that I can see myself really getting into! To start off with, I have easy access to a beautiful lady…my wife .
We had the idea for me to practice photos, so we jumped in the car one evening and just drove. We were looking for anywhere appealing outdoors just as an excuse to get out and shoot. Luckily we came across an undeveloped lot of land that looked out over the city, letting the sunset in perfectly. I think I got there a little too late because I did not have as much time as I would have liked to photograph. However, with that being the case, I am pretty happy with the way these turned out.
Hangin Around the House
I don’t have a whole lot to say on this one, other than I love my wife and dogs. This has been a lazy weekend, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was lounging with my wife and dogs and managed to snap off a few photos. Looking back at them now, these pictures really captured the moment. Seeing them makes me smile and be grateful for my family. Have a great week!
Side Portrait of Sarah
Sarah and Momma in a staring contest…with Skippy chillin’
Skippy doing what he does best, giving Momma kisses
The little princess
“What you looking at?”
Family
While visiting my family for Labor Day, my favorite niece and nephew were on the loose! They are fantastic kids, always having fun and always being loving. I miss them already! Here they are in full Caleb and Bella effect [oh, and I snuck a couple shots from around the house that caught my eye too 
]
Bella having fun
Caleb
Caleb looking at Aunt Ifeta in anticipation of the next game
Concentrating on something super improtant
Having a blast in the pool
Father and Son
Having a blast
Our diving board that is older than me
Birdhouse
She has a peaceful look
Bella just after she “fell” in to the pool
Just before she “fell” into the pool (she was dunking her head)
Caleb not exactly sure what I am doing, but nonetheless, content with it
This is Bella immediately after she put her makeup on…
