Times Past
This chair sits alone in the middle of nowhere, decaying away into nothing. Its current condition speaks to its recent life where all value was lost by those keeping care of it.
But, I cant help but think about this chair’s times past when I look at such a contrast. This chair had a period in its life that saw gratitude from its owners.
Excitement when it was purchased.
Pride when the designer finished his/her design.
Relief and comfort when sat in after a long day’s work.
Appreciation.
I am Mandy Made!
Hi everyone! I really good buddy of mine, Mandy, has been selling these amazingly fun, handcrafted cards for a while now. She makes each set one card at a time, putting all her attention and energy into each and every card, wow! I recently took a few photos for her website and wanted to share them with you. The detail and overall vibe from her cards are so much more engaging than the store-bought cards. I encourage you to check out her site and hit her up if you have any needs. She does scrapbooks, weddings, special occasions, business events, or just if you need one or two cards. Mandy even did all the invites, announcements, and table cards for my wedding! I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Accepting a Self-Portrait
Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy…..you get the idea.
So I have never done a self-portrait before, so I figured why not on my birthday to kick off my last year in my 20s! Not doing a self-portrait previously had a lot to do with my adolescent concerns of not liking the way I looked. This is ironic because I regularly think about those I photograph and how each is truly beautiful in his or her own unique way (but especially my wife who is just plain hot! 
). This is a small step, but nonetheless a fitting one for me as I grow to accept myself more and more just the way I am.
Have a wonderful and safe New Year’s!
Superman’s View
I imagine that when Superman does his thing and ‘up, up and away-s’ that he cruises around to views like this. I was able to grab this image tonight that really made me feel like I was up in the clouds too and wanted to share 
Have a great week ahead!
The Relic
On a recent trip back home where the primary business of the area is agriculture, I came across this old piece of “machinery”. This thing has not moved in decades. It is a reminder of how things used to be, where we come from and how far we have come. I am not totally sure what it was used for on the farm, but whatever it was, it has been obsolete for a long time. The owners must have thought it was either cheaper or less of a headache to just let it retire where it stood to become a relic as opposed to trashing it.
When I shot this, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was that I liked about it. But tonight, months later, I think I understand.
When I look at this, it is a reminder that life has not always been, and does not have to be, so fast – I feel grounded. You see, I am very into technology and gadgets: smart phones, cameras, cars, computers, social media, computer programs, etc. This is something that can really bite me if I am not careful. Technology never slows down and only speeds up. Before I know it, I can be spinning my wheels pretty fast to keep up with everything I am “in” to. It is times like these above that I remember to take a break, take a breath and remember to just be still and be. Life changes, that is one certainty, I don’t want to forget to enjoy the journey along the way.
I edited this photo to have an older, film look.
F/1.8, 35mm, 1/160 sec, ISO 100
A Few Thoughts
If we never venture into the unknown, we will never experience anything new.
Sometimes the right path is made of dirt, rocks, and surrounded by fog. It doesn’t change the fact that you are on the right path.
By not risking success, we guarantee mediocrity.
A Portrait with a Hat
This is the follow-up color photo relating to my post below.
I love this photo for a few reasons. First, the setting this took place and how it came about. This picture was shot on my apartment patio in a quick fit of creativity as me and my wife were heading out to run errands. The green backdrop is a table-cloth that I had forgotten on the patio from the previous week. I saw it and realized it was an opportunity to ‘spice up’ the photo and threw it over the laundry compartment door. I think this came out looking so interesting for how quick and ‘by-chance’ it all came together.
The second reason, is the hat. I bought this hat for my wife about 2 or 3 years ago, thinking it was cute…she thought it was cute too! But, alas, living in Southern CA does not give too many opportunities to wear Eskimo hats…She finally got to wear it for a purpose and now I have a great lasting memory of it in case she never wears it again ! The third, but not last, reason I love this photo is obvious, it captures my beautiful wife in such a lovely light. It is a memory I will have for the rest of my life.
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!
Before & After
I recently took a business trip to Calgary, AB Canada and, of course, took my camera. I still plan on posting a few more pics from the trip, but in the meantime, I had to share this Before & After image. The image below was captured at approximately 7:30pm in a rural park. It was very dark outside, but I had a fast lens (F1.4) on my camera and knew I would be able to extract some light; not to mention I shoot in the RAW format and this allows me to drastically adjust exposure to my own liking.
The park was so quiet, calm, and even serene. Being born and raised in the desert in Southern California only added to the spectacle I was experiencing. I snapped the shot below and knew I had a decent image, but I knew I would have to wait until I got it onto the computer to really see what I got. I was able to extract so much light, that the ‘After’ picture looks like it was taken mid day with the sun out! Also, the processing I did gave the image a slight “painting” feel as a result which I think really added to the final result, kinda surreal.
In any case, I think the latter picture really ‘feels’ like December and I wanted to share!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
BEFORE
AFTER
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.
Playing in the Rain
There was something magical about this sight to me. Maybe it was the fact that these children were playing carefree in the rain and this reminded me of a carefree time in my life. Or maybe it was the dramatic natural sunlight breaking through the forest canopy. It probably had a little bit to do with both of these reasons. Right when I swang my camera up to capture this photo, the young girl stared right at me, as if waiting for me all along. I had a pretty long zoom on my camera, so I wasn’t very close, which made all the more intriguing.
Perfect Conclusion
After wrapping up the photo sessions from my previous two posts, me and my dad swang over to the local lake. It was just in time to capture a beautiful, peaceful sunset. It was a Wonderful way to wrap up the day.
Enjoy.
B&W Fun
I received a new lens tonight and wanted to try it out! Below is a picture of a piece of wall art I have in my house and a self picture. I played with these and turned them into B&W and really liked the results! So, have a great day/night and here’s to having fun:
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
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?”
Awake and Alive
I was listening to Awake and Alive by Skillet today ad found it inspiring. I have heard it plenty of times before, but today the words resonated with some of the issues that are going on in my life. I wanted to share in case it resonates with any of you:
I’m at war with the world
And they try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slipping from your arms…
I’m awake, I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
(Here, right now)
Right here, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake, and I’m alive…
Of course there are more lyrics, but these stood out to me. It feels victorious, ya know? Like – I am better than these things that have been draining me and I can rise above it and succeed!
These casual photos represent a feeling of peace or victory to me:
This beach was only accessible by a boat or by a a good 2 hour hike along the Napoli coast in Kauai. It was secluded and perfectly serene – Well worth the hike!
These flowers grow wild along the cliffs of Laguna Beach, CA. Natural Beauty in fine action!
Flying in Kauai – no better feeling.
One with the Ocean! I like to call this one Poseidon
This just makes me smile. Off to side was a massive drop down the Napoli coast mountains. Beauty AND danger!
We have what it takes to succeed!
See ya later
