Not So Still Life Photography Blog

My Halloween Costume

2008-11-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time, I wore a costume for Halloween. I even won a Scariest Costume contest I entered in the afternoon.

During the evening, I was a JJ's Blues and had my friend Felix take some pictures of me.

I added some glow in the dark makeup for the blacklight shots.

One of the members of the band Night Shift dressed up as Ozzy, so I made sure to have photos taken with him also. I think he has a really authentic look costume.

The M8 about town

2008-05-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few images from stores around town. I found a lot of interesting colors and textures.

You could count the beads just from this frame.

Though I usually put pictures in black frames, this rainbow of options reminds me of my website where the background frame changes to match the photos.

Two more playing with a more shallow depth of field:

This zebra ride is reminiscent of a carousel animal.

Riki and Nick's Wedding

2008-05-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Tiburon to photograph the wedding of Riki and Nick who chose this city as it was where they first met and fell in love.

A closeup of the detail's on Riki's custom sash:

Here was the gorgeous view outside the Corinthian Yacht club that was the setting for both their ceremony and reception.

During this solemn moment of prayer one of the flower girls, Kennedy, at the left, was instead peeking out into the audience.

Enjoying their first dances as husband and wife, in both serious and fun moments.

Pangea Day

2008-05-10T16:15:00.001-07:00

Today is Pangea Day, where films made all over the world were shown at the same time all over the planet. I was at JJ's Blues to watch the show locally, which for us in California was from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. My favorite films included "One Thousand Words" (fiction: a man follows clues to try to return a lost camera), "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars" (documentary: people at a refugee camp improve lives by singing), "Elevator Music" (fiction: people use cell phones to play their own music, with a great twist at the end), "Walleyball" (documentary: volleyball games on a beach divided by a slat wall between Americans and Mexicans, and "I Remember Lebanon" (documentary: a woman who left her country explains what she remembered there during times of peace, and why the world should care as much during peacetime as during war).

The films were funny and sad, the music was great. I really felt part of the one world concept. For me visually, the best time to take photos was during the Laughter Yoga segment, where they had everyone get up and laugh as one, some favorite moments:

To find out more about Pangea Day, and to watch the films go to:

http://www.pangeaday.org

A New Way of Being

2008-03-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

So I've been working on a new series of changes in my life and wanted to get the habits going for a while before writing about them, and so far so good so here goes:

I've been eating a lot healthier, whole foods in non-processed or low processed state and exercising. First, I bought some barbells, a jump rope and a stretch ball, but kept finding it hard to get a full workout. So yesterday I joined a gym, 24-Hour Fitness, and yesterday tried the elliptical (legs still feeling the burn in part) and took my first pilates class (not able to do all the moves in the advanced positions, but I think I did well for the first time).

My aunt, Carol, who keeps herself fit with tennis definitely approves, and a dear friend stationed in Japan suggested taking photos of myself at different stages to see the difference. I think I will, but not post them here, sorry.

Any words of wisdom or encouragement welcomed.

First engagement photo collage

2008-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

While visiting Gary Fong's blog I noticed he had a new collage action set out with a special running until Wednesday. I haven't tried to make a collage of anything since grade school, but I'd liked the concept as one I'd try someday.

Within minutes of downloading it I made my first engagement collage. I really like how it came out (though it probably would have been faster if I hadn't been trying to figure out as I made it what steps exactly Gary put into it to make it run). In any case, here is my first collage, I think it came out great (especially for a first effort) and will soon be posting one from another session:

Facebook

2008-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

So after reading a bunch of photographers are using Facebook to network and promote their business, I decided to give it a try. Though I'm still learning (just have up a personal page and will have a separate one for my wedding business soon), I did put up some photos from my engagement shoot at Stanford last month.

In terms of networking sites, I haven't used Myspace in a while, and may just do Facebook and perhaps try Linkedin as well. Any suggestions?

Photography as a Glamorous Job?

2008-02-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

It's funny how many different ideas there are about photography. I know that when I tell people that I shot the photos on the back wall of JJ's (and I don't even know how many are up now, but I'm thinking at least 100) they either tell me how easy photography is or they tell me how hard the type of shooting I'm doing (low lighting action shots is). One thing is for sure, everyone says it, and the wedding photography if they know about that, is cool, often they call it the best job ever.

In a recent survey by Salary.com people would seem to agree with the latter sentiment as it was number 4 on a list of today's most glamorous jobs. Here's what they say:

"4 – Photographer
The pay: $27,850/year

The allure: A typical day on the job involves meeting high-profile celebrities, traveling to exotic locales and seeing your work on the cover of Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. Could you BE any cooler?

The reality: Most photographers start off on pretty modest pay as assistants and work their way up. If you're not persistent about pursuing work and marketing yourself, Glamour Shots might be as glamorous as it gets."

As for me, though I've photographed Trent Reznor (http://media.www.thespartandaily.com/media/storage/paper852/news/2005/12/07/Ae/Nin-Comes.To.Town-1501483.shtml), Fiona Apple and Coldplay with a pit pass I didn't get to meet them one on one. I am planning on traveling this year to shoot but for individual clients. It seems like these people were thinking only of magazine photographers, a small sector of a large market of jobs. Still, I agree, it is one of the coolest, most glamorous jobs.

Cakes from Flower Flour

2008-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

At yesterday's bridal fair I saw cakes so beautiful they stopped me in my tracks from Mimi at Flower Flour. The name refers to the fact that her store which she co-owns with her husband, Ed, makes amazing cakes and floral arrangements. After receiving permission to take a few, here is some of her amazing work:

I wanted a photo of the artist herself with her favorite of her cakes. Here she is with a chocolate featuring many different types of chocolate, yum!

Praise from Asra

2008-01-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

Amoreena just forwarded me this email from Asra whose wedding to Hani I second shot last month:

"I know Hani just sent you an email, but I want to Thank you and Danielle for all your work and patience. Indian weddings and in particular my family weddings can be a bit unpredictable and chaotic! But in the end, everything turned out great. The pictures are fabulous and I can't wait to share them with my family!

Happy New Year!
Asra"

...

I've started working on my 1001 list, read my first business book "Selling the Invisible", and am working on plans to possibly be in the first bridal show very soon. More details as I have them.

101 Goals for 1001 Days

2008-01-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

On a photography forum which I'm a member, Open Source Photo, some people began posting 101 goals to accomplish in 1001 days. As I am posting this today (to begin the new year right), this will give me until September 28, 2010 to get them done. These are mine (and some will probably overlap). They are in no particular order, I originally planned to separate into photo and non-photo lists, but decided to list as they came to me. I think I thought of some of the hardest ones first, ironically.

1. Get accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA).
2. Get accepted into the Artistic Guild of the WPJA, (AGWPJA).
3. Place first in at least four categories of WPJA and AGWPJA.
4. Buy and implement an off camera flash system for receptions.
5. Buy three Leica M8s and begin shooting weddings more with rangefinders.
6. Buy two Leica R9s and appropriate lenses, begin shooting weddings 90% Leica (see
#s 43 and 44 for exceptions.
7. Shoot two destination weddings.
8. Shoot one celebrity wedding.
9. Photograph a church mission trip to a country I've never been to.
10. Shoot weddings or assignments in three countries I've never been to.
11. Buy and use an iPhone in marketing.
12. Begin offering iPod touch with minislide show in largest packages.
13. Offer three different album company choices to clients.
14. Have a custom designed blog.
15. Mail birthday and anniversary cards to clients.
16. Exhibit at three bridal shows.
17. Place an ad in two national magazines.
18. Have a wedding featured in The Knot Real Weddings.
19. Have a wedding featured in Wedding Bee.
20. Photograph a Hindu, Shikh, Mormon, American Indian and Greek Orthodox wedding.
21. Photograph a wedding in which all or part of the service is in a foreign language
or American Sign language.
22. Hand out an average of five cards or more each day for one year.
23. Join more networking events with other photographers.
24. Join more networking events with other wedding professionals.
25. Write, publish, and photograph four articles in travel magazines.
26. Blog at least three times a week for an entire year.
27. Shoot a paid assignment for my two alma maters, San Jose State University and
Rochester Institute of Technology.
28. Photograph at Nestledon and get on the preferred vendor's list.
29. Get on the preferred vendor's list at five new locations.
30. Photograph three concerts from the pit with credentials.
31. Photograph the world famous surfing competition at Mavericks with credentials.
32. Photograph a wedding at the church I attend, Menlo Park Presbyterian.
33. Teach three children with no or basic photography knowledge how to use a camera.
34. Speak to classes on photojournalism and wedding photography (not simultaneously).
35. Photograph a wedding at a beach.
36. Photograph a wedding in a forest.
37. Photograph a military wedding of each service branch (Army, Navy, Marines, Air
Force and Coast Guard.)
38. Photograph a birth story.
39. Photograph a family portrait in which four generations are represented.
40. Become a Leica sponsored photographer.
41. Become a sponsored photographer for an album company (Image Capsule)?
42. Photograph a New Year's Eve, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter and Fourth of
July themed wedding.
43. Have 20D converted to infrared camera for use at weddings and portraits.
44. Buy and use a Canon G9 for ring and other appropriate shots.
45. Take at least three unique ring shots per wedding.
46. Generate at least half my business through referrals.
47. Attend the Digital Wedding Forum conference.
48. Attend the Open Source Photo West conference.
49. Attend the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of America conference.
50. Be a speaker of at least one of the above conferences.
52. Create and give three vendor specific sample books made from wedding images out.
53. Create and make vendor comp cards from each wedding I shoot and distribute.
54. Have images published in a national magazine.
55. Have images published in a national newspaper.
56. Have images published in a book.
57. Begin flying lessons.
58. Take scuba diving lessons.
59. Volunteer for a charity I admire.
60. Take workshops from Becker, Jessica Claire, and David Jay.
61. Learn to write in calligraphy, use for special mailings.
62. Buy and use a mountain bike.
63. Train for and run a half marathon.
64. Go to Burning Man.
65. Take a wilderness survival course.
66. Celebrate New Year's Eve in a country I've never been to.
67. Create an item or service for auction to benefit Thirst Relief.
68. Visit and photograph Christmas in Bethlehelm, PA.
69. Meet and photograph my cousin Samara Lily (born July 2007).
70. Return to Connecticut and photograph my childhood friend Debbie as an adult with
her family.
71. Read fifteen books on business and marketin.
72. Get involved in an adult literacy program.
73. Freelance as a writer and photojournalist for a major daily newspaper.
74. Visit my first photo teacher, thank him for all his advice and show him what I'm
doing now.
75. Visit my elementary, junior high, high school and college campuses with a camera.
76. Learn to surf.
77. Learn to ski and snowboard.
78. Go bungee jumping.
79. Drive on the Autobann.
80. Ride in a hot air balloon.
81. Be in a parade.
82. Photograph the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
83. Create a wedding anthology album showing all weddings of the year before.
84. Photograph a graffiti artist project in stages.
85. Write and read a poem at a local poetry slam.
86. Photograph a poetry slam at a national level.
87. Photograph animals in the wild, make a calendar of images.
88. Buy some good china inspired by both sides of my family tree.
89. Buy a projector and start projecting work for potential clients.
90. Start offering large canvas prints to clients.
91. Photograph three weddings in Las Vegas.
92. Photograph three maternity sessions.
93. Photograph three trash the dress sessions.
94. Photograph two day in the life sessions.
95. Spend three weeks visiting and photographing places in New England where the
American Revolution began.
96. Cook an entire dinner by myself (appetizers to dessert), invite friends, post
photos and reactions on blog, no matter what the results are.
97. Spend two weeks eating only organic food, blog about results.
98. Go to a classic opera, sit through the entire thing and try to appreciate.
99. Attend training camp of a major sports team.
100. Second shoot with ten photographers I admire.
101. Write handwritten letters to five people I love and tell them why I love them.

I'll keep everyone posted as I make progress on them.

New Year's Eve Reflection

2007-12-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight as I have for the last two New Year's Eves prior, I'll be working at JJ's Blues. Today marks the second year (to the day) that I've been working there as House Photographer shooting musicians in some dark conditions. Ironically Brad Kava, a great friend, will be opening tonight with his band, Doghouse Riley, the first band I went there to photograph (as a favor to him), and soon after started working there.

In two years the stage lights have gotten brighter and I've been able to help influence the color gels used, so now they have more greens and blues and less red. Red while dramatic and intense often looks awful on skin tones when its the only or predominant stage light.

Shooting in dark conditions has surely helped how I shoot in equally dark scenes including in churches at weddings, and some of the anticipation I've learned shooting musicians has translated into weddings and vice versa.

Working in the same club has also shown me how to really bend my creative processes to come up with new ideas, such as shooting the subject and the mirror image which I first did during a long set by Jason Ricci (a technique I also used in wedding photos including one of my favorite images ever (still the first photo on my web splash page).

Merry Christmas, blog rating

2007-12-25T16:41:00.001-08:00

Well, I thought this was pretty funny. I only put in my blog address once, honest, and this was an amusing, if probably quite inaccurate, ego boost.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all,

Danielle

Asra and Hani's wedding, part one

2007-12-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Asra, right, was a beautiful bride who had her makeup put on by her sister, Sama, a multi-talented artist who described it as "painting" her sister as a canvas. More photos to follow.

Field Trip: San Francisco Networking

2007-11-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

Today I went up to one of my favorite cities, San Francisco, to network with some great people I'd met before. I gave Jinza, who designs great gowns some two photos of her with two different dresses on matted metallic paper.

She really liked the paper (so far almost everyone I show it to likes it) and asked if couples could get their wedding photos on it (they can). She showed me one dress that she said was the fabric representation of metallic paper.

I saw some amazing new designs, including one that I'd probably wear on my own wedding day. Photos coming soon.

Onward and Upward

2007-11-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I added my sidebar link from this blog to another site. I'm part of a new community called Wedfog where wedding photographers and hopefully soon brides will come together to have questions answered and connect with one another. Below is one of my favorite shots in my gallery profile, though I titled it something else today it feels like "Onward and upward" which was my personal motto throughout much of college, always trying to reach more heights of success.

The shot is one of my favorites from recent weddings and I also had it printed on metallic paper as a portfolio image to show clients.

The name wedfog is a take off of Wed(for wedding) FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), which is what the letters kind of look like. Though I've been in the business so long that I first read it as Wed FOG where FOG is father of the groom. So many acronyms.

Random Photo Tuesday - Music Man

2007-11-27T22:19:00.001-08:00

Johnnie, who co-owns JJ's Blues with his wife is often recognized as one of the people keeping the blues alive in San Jose. He's less known for being a really great piano and keyboard player, even though he's incredibly talented. He was concentrating so hard on playing this song, in b flat which he tells me is the hardest key to play in, that he didn't even see me take this photo

Reflections on walking, new study

2007-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

After making it the whole 2.6 miles yesterday, today in hindsight it's amazing how much easier it was then I thought (having told myself if I get to a certain street I'm almost there and reaching it sooner than expected), and I'm still a little sore today. I guess I just have to keep it up, hoping to do so.

I read a study done in the UK that claims initials effect grades and baseball. Supposedly people whose first names start with the letters denoting the bad grades C and D do worse in school than others, and baseball players with either initials starting with K strike out (with a K symbolizing a strike) more often.

I think that's hysterical, and didn't effect me luckily as a D (for Danielle) I did great in school, and enjoyed most subjects in highschool and college. Remembering back to high school, the top two students (valedictorian and salutatorian, both of whom coincidenally were female) had C names. I don't follow baseball well enough to think of tons of examples, but I know Babe Ruth holds, beyond other things, a record for striking out.

With my friend, David as a new teacher, I've learned so much about students and so much of academic learning involves what preparation one gets and how, not to mention the encouragement and involvement of parents like this woman I photographed teaching her son, in two languages about geography.

Also, I think it's funny that so many studies focus on negative outcomes (bad grades, strikeouts) and not positive (good grades and home runs). Lastly the study didn't mention students with the F initial, I realize some schools won't give out F's but surely enough must to make this trend apply if accurate, or perhaps they just forgot to study or include them. Oh well.

I'm Walking!

2007-11-16T10:47:00.001-08:00

I'm walkin, yes indeed and I'm talkin bout you and me
I'm hopin that you'll come back to me, uh uh
"I'm Walking" - Fats Domino

You can do the walk...everywhere you go
Do the walk
"The Walk" - Jimmy McCracken

It's ironic that even though two of my favorite songs above are all about walking (and I've been priviliged to see Jimmy McCracken and his large, amazing band do his twice), I don't walk that much.

I think that's because I'm so used to just getting in my car and going somewhere, even when it's within easy walking distance (though I do often park relatively far from stores to have a little walk inside).

Inspired by others who have posted on their blogs their plans to exercise and eat better (most recently Becker), I'm going to resolve to do more walking starting today, literally. Of course it doesn't hurt that my car is in the shop and I won't have it back till much later this afternoon.

Anyhow, having been dropped off at a destination today where I'll be for a few hours, I have a 2.6 mile journey home. I debated using the Light Rail, and if this was San Francisco I would take a taxi. However, San Jose doesn't have large hills like that, so I'm going to walk home.

I sincerely hope this will inspire me to walk more, and towards that end every Friday I'm going to give an exercise update so my blog readers can help me stay honest, and feel free to offer encouragement.

Yes those are my green sneakers, I love colorful shoes when I'm dressed casually, in high school I got the nickname Punky (from Punky Brewster) though I never dressed quite that mismatched.

I read online that this should take less than an hour, so I'll post my time when I get home.

______

Updated:

My walk took 45 minutes and 29 seconds. Not bad considering I had to stop for traffic lights and some intersections that really should have had some. I walked down a street I don't normally drive for most of it to see and appreciate new things.

A lot of people smiled and said hi which I liked. Two unusual things I noticed were two brick chimneys partially built in a spiral pattern and a young man on a bike with a rake. Don't see those things everyday.

Couples at SF Gay Pride Parade

2007-11-15T00:23:00.000-08:00

Inspired this week by looking through and posting some photos from this summer's parade I found two more to share, two couples. I was struck by how long they had been together and the quiet dignity of their statements.

I really enjoyed the parade as a whole with beautiful costumes and amazing music, yet I think these couples and others like them were my favorite part of all of it as they drove home what they are fighting for and how committed they are to the cause and most of all, each other.

Another Dancer from the SF Parade

2007-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

One of the organizers of this year's San Francisco Gay Pride parade told me that this year's was the largest ever. The reason for this is that anyone who signs up gets to participate, so every year they have more and more people, some large groups, some small groups and some individuals.

As I didn't have a program I don't know all the names, but I found this dancer really intriguing. He performed without music and everyone was very entertained by how still he was in between steps.

Random Photo Tuesday

2007-11-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

This week's random photo is one of my favorites from the San Francisco parade that I haven't posted till now. Code Pink, the female political activist group brought their anti-President Bush message to the parade. I'm really awed when I see people rallying in this way whether I agree with their message or not.

I've been in one such demonstration, years ago on San Jose State University's campus I was one of the demonstrators walking back and forth from one part of campus to the other across the street. We were trying to get a traffic light installed as the street was particularly dangerous and even then district leader Cindy Chavez joined us.

Our photo was in the school newspaper and it turns out I was the only one with my caution tape sash on upside down, how funny!

We did end up getting it, the city split the cost with the university, and as far as I know no one was injured crossing after the light was installed (and there had been quite a few close calls previous to that). Politics in action, I love it.

America's Most Photographed

2007-11-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

My friend Jordan, a DJ and fellow photographer, has an adorable one-year-old son named Joshua. With a father whose a photographer and many photographer friends we often joke he is the most photographed child in America.

A curious young tyke, he often crawls around his childproof areas and pulls himself up to see what we are working on. Here he is peeking over the desk. He loves typing on the keyboard as well.

Things I learned about my mother this week

2007-11-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

My mom visited me this week from Florida. We had a great time catching up and it's amazing how much we had to talk about, even though we talk regularly every week.

On this visit I learned so much about her. A few favorite things:

* When I was little she had a silver bracelet that I loved and apparently asked her if I could wear. Though she never let me wear it then (it would have slid off my wrist anyhow) she gave it to me this visit. Since she always has a fashionable bracelet or two on her wrist it's a great present, and I've been wearing it almost non-stop since. Photo to follow next time I take it off.

* Her favorite city that she's visited is Paris, France. My mom has been to many places and I'd imagined she'd pick a really exotic place, but it fits her to a T.

*We read a lot of the same authors. She is a huge Robin Cook fan and even read a few I haven't had a chance to read yet.

* My late father who I learned to shoot from got his love for photography by taking a college class that at first just my mom had been enrolled in. Mom said everywhere they went he took lots and lots of photos. This makes a lot of sense I have so many photos she's in and fewer that he's in (till I picked up a camera of course).

I love you, Mom, thanks for an awesome visit.

Email from a portrait customer

2007-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

I just received this email from a happy portrait customer:

Hi Danielle!
I've picked up the family pictures and we're all very happy with them! Thank you for doing such a great job!

Jeanne

Some favorites from their session:

This last one was a fun, silly shot we decided we entitled "Our Family Tree"

Happy Birthday Colleen

2007-11-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

Today is the birthday of someone special to me, my best friend Colleen.

I've known her for eight years, it feels like a lifetime in a good way. Colleen has been there when I changed majors, jobs and career goals, and she's been a supportive friend and started shooting some weddings and events with me (some to be photographed and posted soon.

She is in my opinion the sister I never had biologically and always wanted.

Happy birthday, looking forward to hanging with you and working with you in the coming year.

The first Random Photo Tuesday

2007-11-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first Random Photo Tuesday. Each Tuesday I'll post a photo of something, most likely not wedding related, and tell you a little about it.

This shot is of Sean who says he spends most of his free time in a tree. Colleen and I encountered him, not surprisingly in a tree, while she was walking her mom's dog. We heard some kids laughin above us, when I looked up all had jumped off their branches except Sean. He said he could hold onto a branch for longer if I needed him to, but I knew this was the shot I wanted.

New Business Cards

2007-11-05T19:45:00.001-08:00

My new business cards came today and they look great. I'll be putting up real scans soon, though the computer screen can't show fully how they shine in the light. In the meantime, here are the two designs back and front:

Card one:

Card two:

I love having two different cards, and with different fronts I'll know which ones I gave someone so I can give them each design if giving two or more. I'm planning more colors and pictures soon, but not sure if the next color will be a blue or something else.

Whole lotta shaking

2007-10-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight there was an earthquake that hit near San Jose. It was the largest I've felt since moving to California almost a decade ago.

Reports of it were over 5 in magnitude, which I had guessed, though it's the first one I've come close to guessing accurately.

Though the house shook a lot only a dish broke. I had sort of expected Sebastian to react more right before one, but he was pretty calm. He did come into my room to check on me right after. I wonder if dogs really sense something is wrong before quakes, if so he didn't try to warn me in any way I can tell.

Rosie the Riveter Park stone

2007-10-19T17:06:00.001-07:00

Rosie the Riveter Park in Richmond is just incredible. My favorite part was the st0nes which have words from Rosies talking about their work. One of my favorites:

Sebastian at Home

2007-10-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Every so often when I'm at home working, Sebastian will unknowingly get into a great pose. I was editing some files when I saw him like this and reached for the first camera handy, in this case a point and shoot (hence the white eye look).

Bay Tour

2007-10-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a bay tour and fish assessment voyage around the San Francisco Bay. I brought a point and shoot travel camera and took this self portrait against one of the many pieces of artwork created by students who have been there, I thought it made a great backdrop. More photos to follow.

Pre-Quinceneara Shots

2007-10-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

A special day is coming up for Alexa's twin sisters. Alexa likes having her picture taken so I got a few of this adorable 5 year old first. Here she is showing off how she can put her tongue through her teeth gap - too cute.

Some of my favorites from the twins session from Leal Vineyards in Hollister, CA.

Adrianna and Esmerelda will be having their quinceneara next month and will be escorted by their brother (who was a little camera shy and didn't join us but promised to smile big on their day).

All Talked Up

2007-09-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

With the advertising executives and myself all doing Town Talk photos, there are often a mix of our work on one page. This is the first time this has happened that I know of: all the ones on one page were taken by me:

Click to enlarge:

I get asked a lot who writes the material, I write my own, though my editor, JP, can change the words if he wants.

Being Single in SF

2007-09-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month Forbes Magazine named San Francisco as the best city to be if you're single. My editor had me go to places where singles would be found (restaurants, bars, and I scoped out a laundry mat as my own guess, and did find a single male there) and it was one of our front page stories today.

Click to enlarge:

A Bride and Groom Visit JJ's

2007-08-25T18:37:00.001-07:00

Since I've been working at JJ's Blues, there have been several occasions where I photographed a wedding then the second music set at the club. Before today, I'd never photographed a couple on their wedding day at the club.

Tonight Rachel and Pete walked into our club for a post-reception party, so I photographed a few of them, and their maid of honor and best man as well.

Kristen and John's Reception, Part Two

2007-08-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Both John and Kristen wore green to compliment their lush surroundings. When I approached John to take a quick portrait he was already watching Kristen mesmerized, so my first shot of him looked like this:

After that I took a more formal portrait of him. He has a great smile.

As does his new wife of a little under two months, Kristen.

With matching smiles, and outfits, they really just went well together. They even had matching flowers to celebrate the event.

Their first reception kiss.

Though they didn't have a formal cake cutting, they did bring along the knives from the cake cutting at their first formal reception, and had the flowers on the cake match them.

Kristen and John's Reception Part One

2007-08-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

When I was a student at San Jose State University I got to watch a love story in progress unfold. Two of my friends, John and Kristen, found friendship, then love, a relationship that lasted beyond college and culminated in a wedding this June in Illinois.

As they had a lot of friends and family in San Jose, they had today a semi-formal wedding reception at Family Circle Park. It was beautiful and I was honored to have a part in it.

I remember Kristen and John and both do-it-yourself types. Here she is working on some of her decorations.

Inside the basic were the sweet and practical tape measures, in two types so people could choose a circle or heart for themselves. On it the message really says it all.

Not wanting any of their guests to have nothing to do, they even brought this dart set for young tykes and had an arts and crafts and games table.

Another detail shot with some of the lovely flowers they brought with them.

Kristen and John had both cooked and baked for the occassion, some of their handiwork, complete with handmade signs with food descriptions:

Hayley for Brittany Rescue

2007-08-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a fundraising luncheon for Brittany Rescue. The star of the event was Hayley (named after the character in The Parent Trap remake - so she's also named after the original Parent Trap star, Hayley Mills who inspired the renamed character) who is up for adoption.

Some shots of the new "cover girl" for adoption in between her being pet by everyone:

Hollister Flowers

2007-08-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

I've been working with Pam of the recently opened Hollister Flowers to photograph some pieces for her website in progress. Here is one of her working on the two wedding clients she has for this weekend.

Both of the weddings required nontraditional flowers and arrangements, here are two that will grace tables on Saturday.

The second bride was into elegant and purple. These purple Cala Lilies will be used in a bouquet for the bride, and a smaller version will be made for the flower girl.

Pam put this rose into a frosted vase. It would make a great mini centerpiece for a table, or each guest could be given a similar flower as something to take away to remember the wedding.

Dogs, dogs, dogs, dogs

2007-08-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

After the first dog sans owner was featured in Town Talk of the San Francisco Daily, I've had requests to do more. Each dog has to be pictured with something representing the place we are writing about, and I had two posing this week. Gucci with a dog travel kit and Molly outside the Two Drink Minimum water station of the dog-friendly Horseshoe Tavern Bar.

Inspired, at home I used my point and shoot to get a quick photo of Sebastian.

We Don't Need No Education

2007-08-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

While visiting some former professors at the Journalism Dept. at San Jose State University, I stumbled upon some older lecture chairs that have seen better days. I figure they are swapping them out for more comfortable seats. A few of my classes used these.

This photo just reminds me of the "We Don't Need No Education" song by Pink Floyd, I can just picture this playing in the background as they were taken out.

A Thank You Note I Received

2007-07-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the chance to photograph people on some of the happiest days of their lives. Today I got this thank you ecard:

It reads:

Danielle:

Thanks so much for attending my daughter's first birthday party. The photos you took came out great and I really appreiate you going to the trouble of photographing Sky's birthday party. The images will be treasure memories for years to come, not to sound too mushy. Your contribution to the party helped make it a true success. Thanks again.

Always, Rachel and Skylar

A Touch of Purple

2007-07-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes unexpected patterns turn up during weddings and ceremonies. When first arriving at Gia and Alec's reception I was struck by the purple flowers outside and took this photo:

Inside the reception other purple wildflowers also made an appearance. This girl held one while dancing with her grandfather, here are a full body shot and a closeup.

The flowers were brought inside by the many children in attendance. Although some ended on the floor, one was also given to the bride, Gia, who held onto it for a while, here she is with it while watching her new husband on the dance floor.

Gia and Alec's Reception, Part Two

2007-07-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

During the slideshow, Alec and Gia stole a moment to themselves, almost unaware anyone else was around them.

During the cake cutting they were surrounded by their own four daughters, as well as a few more little girls.

Gia and Alec had black and white disposable cameras at each table. Their daughters must have just learned this right before the garter removal, as they came up and made sure to capture their own moments of the day.

They were also up close and personal for the garter toss.

Sunday's reception was a beautiful all family event, and I'm happy Amoreena and I were on hnd to capture all these special memories.

Gia and Alec's Reception, Part One

2007-07-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Gia and Alec made their grand entrance after their four daughters ran in before them. Here is the happy couple.

The daughters ran fast, here are three of them who rushed in before Gia and Alec.

With having four little girls in their family already, the wedding was a family affair with daughters near and on them through much of it including the toasts.

They did get some time alone to dance as a couple for their first dance.

Then it was time to dance with their new blended family.

The best man even found his inner rock star with some help from an air guitar from the DJ.

Ye Olde Traditional Shoot Out

2007-07-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today I shot a wedding reception (for a couple who had their wedding on 07-07-07 atop a mountain) with Amoreena Berg. I introduced her to the tradition of photographers shooting each other at events:

She later sent me this one with some cool sepia action going on:

While awaiting the grand entrance of the bride and groom I met this couple who are on their honeymoon. At first I thought they meant that figuratively, but no, literally at 75 this young at heart couple married after finding love the second time around.

The cards on wedding gifts give people a chance to be creative, these two were especially creative with how they portrayed the couple:

Toasting at Weddings

2007-07-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

At Marisa and Bradley's wedding this month the best man and maid of honor gave toasts. The bride and groom were expecting that.

Then the groom made up a tradition that I'd love to see in more weddings, he had the microphone passed so each person at the head table made a toast (some short, some long, some funny, some sappy, and though none were prepared to do it, it was great).

Bradley then asked if anyone else had anything to say, and it turned out that the flower girl, the bride's second cousin did have something to say.

I really like the idea of opening up the toasting floor to anyone, it was a great showing on all parts and made some special unique memories.

The Future of Newspapers as a Print Medium

2007-07-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Two professors at SJSU found this old newspaper while renovating a local house for a Habitat for Humanity project. I like the expression on their faces as they look at the remnant for days gone by, a piece of history that is there but is literally crumbling.

This reminds me of the current newspaper debate - will papers be around in paper form in large quantities. Personally I like having news thats transportable and can be passed around easily, though links for online articles and papers can, of course be exchanged. Still, not everyone has access to the Internet, computers, etc. whereas the price of a paper tends to be cheap and accessible to most people.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel, where I did my internship, and The Pinnacle, where I worked after, both have online forms, the form of which has a lot of content not in the paper. Part of that is because the former paper has more staff, including people whose sole job is to run the online addition and is a daily, whereas the Pinnacle has a small staff that shares jobs and in particular the second photographer position which had been full-time is now a part-time support position. Both papers have had layoffs, the first recently and both The Mercury News and The San Francisco Chronicle, both which have online presence have also had layoffs of staff.

In contrast, the paper I work for now does not have a large online presence. We don't put articles or photos online, and on the page is just contact information and articles written about our paper.

So in way, I'm the online archiver with this blog. My editor who I've talked to about putting this online thinks it's cute that I have the paper online, but it's not part of his strategy. I'd like to see us online, but I do know people read our hard version, they tell me too all the time. I don't know what the future holds, but I would like to see us online more, and I do think our paper has what it takes to last the test of time.

My Photo as an eCard

2007-07-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite professors from college, Brad, who has remained a good friend to me and mentor told me that as a journalist it's a good idea to Google myself every so often. So I did today and found out that one of the photos I took as an intern for The Santa Cruz Sentinel is now on an associated site which can be sent as an ecard:

One thing interesting about this is that this is the only one of mine on the site, I took a lot of photos that summer I'd love to have seen up as ecards and the other three photographers whose work is there also only have a few of theirs up from the same time period. Still it's cute that this is an option, and I'm sending it out to a few people in my life.

I couldn't resist trying sending it to myself, however, the card only had the photo this size. Still it inspired me. Perhaps my next bride and groom clients from me will be getting an ecard photo from me, but one of their wedding to let them know that their gallery is up and ready.

Putting on the Dog

2007-07-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Some people are too shy to be in Town Talk for the San Francisco Daily unless they can have a friend, or even their dog in it. One designer was so shy that he said he ONLY wanted his dog in it. I told him I can't be sure the editor will run Jackson's mug, but I think with him wearing the clothes and so many cute expressions to choose from, he has a great chance of being in a Town Talk this week.

Let me know if you have a guess as to which the editor will pick, and I'll post later which one was selected.

Shooting Back

2007-07-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while doing wild art for the paper I met Bob Rosenberg. He's an amateur photographer who prefers film to digital, he told me that he once tried digital for a summer, but gave up since he likes film better. One of his special projects is photographing other photographers who are shooting him at the same time, so we both photographed each other.

Grace's Bat Mitzvah Part Two

2007-07-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

Two years ago I photographed the Bat Mitzvah of Kate, the older sister of Grace. One of their favorite shots from Kate's event was a three generation photo of her, her mother, and her grandmother. So I did a similar shot for Grace as well.

From the moment the dance floor was open kids were dancing, laughing and having fun.

The birthday girl lifted in the chair in celebration, a little scared but enjoying it.

Her father lifted high in the chair as well, a veteran of these events with three kids, he's really getting into it.

The night ended with Grace taking her family for a twirl inside the circle, here she is with Grace who she twirled last.

Grace's Bat Mitzvah Part One

2007-07-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

From the moment I entered The Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos, the mood was a festive one of an Asian theme, perfect for Grace's Bat Mitzvah. Here's how the room was decorated:

A closeup of the amazing details:

The appetizers were almost too pretty to eat (and delicious).

The rabbi led the Havdalah service signifying the end of the Holy day (and the start of the festivities).

Soon the kids filled the dance floor having fun and playing games like jump over the hoop with DJ Joel.

Happy Birthday, Skylar

2007-07-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Rachel had a party for her daughter, Skylar, who just turned one year old. Here are some of my favorite moments.

The lucky birthday girl had two cakes, a sheet one made by her mom, and this one by her mom's boss, who isn't a pro baker, but should consider creating another business from the oohs and aahs that the cake complete with matching nonedible play blocks received.

Skylar on her grandma's lap with her mom singing Happy Birthday to her:

getting into her cake:

with Erin practicing walking:

Sage didn't realize he had to give the gift to Skylar and at tried to take it back:

Introducing Street Styles

2007-07-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

When Dave Price called me last week and pitched the Street Style idea to me, I thought it would be fun, but wasn't sure how well received it would be by our subjects. While it has been hard to get women to stop and talk about their clothes, I've met some great people, and found out a lot about fashion (ironic because I end up wearing professional but usually black or monochrome clothes so much at my job and at weddings).

The first two, followed by a closeup:

One of the best parts is having my eyes open for different styles, I'm really noticing clothes more, from this goth look, to this stylish model in muted colors, to this outfit in rainbow colors from around the world:

Marisa and Bradley's Wedding Part Three

2007-07-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Bradley danced the Mother-Son dance with one of the songs that was playing at the concert the night he told her he was proposing to Marisa. Here they share a heartfelt hug during the song.

With many ways to remove a garter, Bradley opts for a classy, gentle way with his hand.

Here you can see the garter going right to the boy who caught it.

Marisa's bouquet toss caused a bit more of a scramble.

Sharing their first bites of wedding cake as the evening draws to a close.

Marisa and Bradley's Wedding Part Two

2007-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

I love the relaxed, "hey we did it," expressions on both of their faces in this photo.

Here they are greeted by their friends and family for the first time as a married couple.

One of the coolest things about doing weddings is capturing the unexpected moments. The flower girl gave her own toast which was a great highlight of the evening.

Bradley and Marisa looked so natural on the dance floor. They spent many songs slow dancing with one another.

Marisa and Bradley's Wedding Part One

2007-07-07T23:52:00.000-07:00

Marisa and Bradley were married on a gorgeous, sunny day at the Santa Teresa Country Club. After taking preparation photos, there was still time to get quick posed photos of all of the guests with who they came with.

The ring bearer, being only two wasn't quite sure where to go as he walked down the aisle. Here he gets smiles from the bridesmaids, and a helpful pointer from the flower girl (his cousin).

This is Bradley's reaction to seeing Marisa for the first time in her wedding dress. He later told me he was thinking, "She's so beautiful, I'm so lucky," at this moment.

Their smiles during the ring exchange were prominent even to the last row of guests.

Their first kiss as husband and wife.

Happy Fouth of July

2007-07-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Two photos from fireworks from last year to celebrate this year's Fourth of July. Here's hoping everyone has a fun and safe holiday.

Always in Fashion

2007-07-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Daily sent me on Thursday to photograph the student's fashion show and competition at O'Reilly's Holy Grail. Though the design class was open to both genders, only girls had enrolled at Wee Scotty and made costumes, one group out of stores made out of clothes found at a thrift store (budget $20 each), the others from materials at the school. I also wrote the story, the photo of which graced the front page this morning.

Click either to enlarge to see photo better or read story:

One of the winning designs:

Pre show entertainment with Eoin, one of the judges, who invited girls in the audience up to sing with him the song they requested, "Let it Be" (one of my favorites):

Naomi (center) was so surprised to be named one of the winning designers that she had to be nudged by the others to come forward and model her winning outfit. I love this reaction shot of her.

Call of the Wild (Art)

2007-06-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of the newest parts of our paper is wild art (also known as feature art at the journalism school I attended, SJSU, and several papers). The idea is to capture people having fun, living life and the flavor of the people and the city.

The first one we published that I took was of Luke on his scooter looking so serious, followed by several I shot (in their original color):

He looks so serious in this photo.

I liked this father-daughter moment of Jason and Maya and in talking to them found out he had been carrying her most of the day, check out her feet - no shoes.

Kids make great subjects always doing fun things:

In this one which is my favorite so far, Jayden who was having his first taste of salsa, decided to share his chips with his dad, Eric.

Gay Pride Parade, Part Two

2007-06-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco pride event was great for memories and lots of colorful photos. Some more of my favorites I submitted to the Daily:

The California Men's Retreat got a lot of attention with this fellow.

The coordination of CHEER San Francisco was intense.

From the bike squad that opened the rally came a "Paris Hilton" and guard.

One of my favorite floats was that of Google which started with these dancers.

Then came the float which played "Sulu Dance" and had George Takei (Sulu from Star Trek) watch and participate in the dance named after him.

Gay Pride Parade, Part One

2007-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Gay Pride event this weekend in San Francisco was one of my favorite assignments for the paper so far. Though I've photographed parades in the past for other papers, having the press pass that let me photograph from inside the gates made it so much more amazing (and, of course, easier to get such fun angles and moments).

My editor, Dave, liked the photos and said he wished this had been one of our color issues. My photos made the front page and one page of a small photo essay inside (click any to enlarge):

The page had a lot of my work in it, as a lot of photos in the ad below the photo story for Back to Sports are mine as well:

The Altoids float was an explosion of color and movement with dancing and bubbles:

Balloon Magic really got the crowd cheering:

Brown Dirt Cowboy's Ad

2007-06-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

When I shoot ads for the newspaper, sometimes clients have a preconceived notion of what they would like, a set of directions, a sketch or two for me, etc.. Other times, clients will ask me for a lot of input, when that happens I stroll around their store, looking for just the right angles and often shoot things with minor changes to give them the freedom to have their photos match the ad which they will compose later. This ad is an example of the latter type.

Both the and the furniture were stunning.

The place had a lot of reflective surfaces, this shot was taken with the reflection carefully chosen to show off items and also how spacious the place is, filled with treasures to explore.

Usually I go out of my way to not have my flash in the photo. However I knew that in this instance the flash would appear as the lighting on the candle, so I shot it both ways and the client opted for the "lit candle" one for the ad. I think it works quite well.

Going to the dogs

2007-06-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately a lot of dogs are becoming one of the subjects of my lens. Often when shooting Town Talk for the paper I'll make use of the dog as a prop for the photo, as is this one with Coco and her puppy, Lavendar for Bella and Daisy's, A Dog Salon and Boutique...

and again with Cara and Isla, the latter being the pet of and store mascot of Sunhee Moon, designer and owner of a store of the same name.

Now that the paper also has me taking photos of San Franciscans just being themselves for feature or "wild art" as my editor puts it, dogs show up time and time again like Jennifer and her dog, Otto enjoying a moment together.

Nate, A Chef Profile in Color

2007-06-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today's San Francisco Daily was in color. My chef profile on Nate Appleman from A-16 was in it in color as well. I hear the restaurant already has a buzz going on as people are reading the article and making reservations.

Click photos to enlarge or to read the interview that I wrote as well.

After the Movie Thoughts: Knocked Up

2007-06-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today Colleen and I went to see the movie, "Knocked Up". Not only did she suggest it, she was seeing it for the second time having liked it so much the night before.

The movie was really funny, though longer than I expected. I did like how some lines were both funny and profound, like the one about how kids' jobs is to show us how much fun they're having, and how little we are in comparison.

I definitely think kids can have fun with simple pleasures easily (in the movie in particular kids with bubbles were talked about) such as time to hang out on the playground, as these shots of Hannah and Seth just having fun naturally show.

Feeding the Geese

2007-06-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Rosie demonstrates how Animal Control addresses the geese that live nearby. The employees, being animal lovers, enjoy the presence of the geese, but they like to block the road.

So for their own safety, they are fed and lead off the trail.

Ironically, the center found one of the foods the geese, who have been living there for about twelve years, like the best is dry dog food.

Photos of the Week (Ending 06/01/07)

2007-06-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

My photos of the week are all of advertising shots taken for Back to Sports. The owner, Ahimsa's desire was for photos to show accurately what kind of events can be found at their establishment so I photographed (among other things) a sparring match, a person working out, and a physical therapist giving an exam.

I think these really capture the actions and the moods of the place and can't wait to see them in the new full page ad.

A Special Thanks to Endre Tarczy

2007-05-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today's blog entry is a shot out to friend and musician, Endre Tarczy, who created a great track of his song, "Your Serenade" for my web page.

Endre is very expressive onstage, and at JJ's Blues, I've shot him playing with Max Cabello, Jr., in the first two shots, and his own band, W.H.aT. (Wedemeyer, Hayes and Tarczy).

Thanks again, Endre.

Alma and Jeff, Second Engagement Shoot, Part Two

2007-05-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Jeff was especially into the colors of the foliage at The Japanese Friendship garden. This was one of his favorite trees. He excitedly pointed out this one, and lots of the ones he, and his fiancee, Alma posed in front of.

This one one inspired by the many walks in the woods they have taken in their years together.

The bridge made a great backdrop for them.

The light hit Alma just right here and made her skin literally glow a golden color.

With the palm trees in the background, it looks like they are already in Hawaii.

Alma and Jeff, Second Engagement Session, Part One

2007-05-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, Alma and Jeff!

Alma and Jeff, who went away for the holiday weekend, decided to schedule another engagement session to have a different clothing, and another setting for their photos to be in their sign in book.

The Japanese Friendship Garden added a lot of new colors, here they are kissing in front of a waterall.

The pair spend a lot of their time in the out of doors.

While colors are great, they also wanted a lot of converted images for an old-fashioned look to their sign in book.

Coming tomorrow, some more great shots of their session.

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-28T23:30:00.001-07:00

On this Memorial Day, a special and heart felt thanks to the memory of the brave men and women who have served our country in the past and present, and whose honorable service ended in the ultimate sacrafice.

Though I will never fully know all you have endured, I appreciate you, and your efforts, and you make me proud to be an American among you.

Alma and Jeff Engagement, Quick Peek Shot

2007-05-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Alma and Jeff decided to have another engagement session to get in more background scenes (having had their first session at the garden where they will be getting married).

Yesterday found us all at The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose, CA. It's a beautiful place, and one the two had also considered for their wedding day.

As they are currently travelling and won't have Internet access for a bit longer, here is as promised, just one shot, more to follow.

Here, duck, duck!

2007-05-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

I was photographing an engagement session yesterday when ducks came over to where we where. They seemed really interested in my camera, this little guy (girl?) came right up to me to get a closer look.

I thought s/he would swim away before I got a close shot, but the duck waited for me to get a shot, then swam off to get the bread being tossed over the pond.

Photos of the Week (Ending 05/25/07)

2007-05-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Again this week (I think the third in a row maybe,) my pics for photos of the week are from my chef profile. This is of Pal from Roti, a fun Indian restaurant who likes adding spices to things, his recipes are so unique even the co-owners admit they don't always know what he adds to the dishes. Here he is with spices and an amazing smile.

Here he is taking out nan bread, which gets baked at very high temperatures. It's easy to lose the bread at this point, but he is careful, and it was delicious.

Peaches - Adoption Advocate

2007-05-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Peaches is an adoption advocate, mainly because she, herself, is a cat looking for a good home.

Though the Chow-Shephard mix at home would never stand for a cat here, seeing her makes me wish we could give it a try.

Please visit your local shelter and find your own great pet today.

Concrete Surfing

2007-05-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite subjects to shoot for myself is youths skateboarding. It has the challenge of speed, the beauty of movements, and great reactions from the subjects (many of whom come up to me and ask them to shoot them next.)

This photo of Ryan was one of my favorites as carves the bowl or surfs the concrete. I love how he looks at the next place he will go to with determination and a little fear. He does complete the trick correctly (on his wheels) in the next instant.

Merola Opera Fundraiser

2007-05-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today the second event I covered with Carla was published, photos of people attending the Merola Opera benefit. I agree with all the photos the paper chose, though I'd have printed another larger than the one they did (a litle more on this later), here are the pdfs, click any to enlarge.

This photo, which I think actively shows best people looking at things to bid, in the form of a beautiful couple, would have been my pick for large photo.

The colors were just amazing in the dresses, and everyone looked so great. Here are two more of my favorites, and great examples of why I wish we could be in full color instead of black and white.

Qoio New Location Party

2007-05-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Daily published today the first of two events I photographed last weekend with Carla, the opening of the new Qoio location by business owner, Gilberta Guarini.

Click either pdf to enlarge.

In color, my favorites published include Gilbertina with one of her beautiful necklaces:

and Juvenal, one of the amazing sommelier/bartenders the paraty had:

Photos of both Gilberta and Anette, one of her customers (the latter having received a necklace picked out by her young son after hearing his mother say she liked it), however, I really like this one of Gilberta having her try on a new one, which did not run, as well.

In addition to jewelry, the new location will feature some amazing cultural pieces (so new they are still pricing many of them including these sculputures:

and this great and functional birdhouse:

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

2007-05-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

Jordan, a friend, DJ, and fellow photographer, just turned 40. He had his birhtday party over the weekend at The Capital Club in San Jose, which is ironically where I met him three years ago at a wedding I was shooting and for which he was the DJ.

He had a lot of cute kids at the party (with their parents), this girl stopped to pose for a picture as she moved his balloons around the room.

This little guy just had the best mischievous look in his eyes for his portrait with his mom.

Here is the birthday boy, playing "I got your toes" with his six-month-old son, Joshua.

The food was amazing including this chocolate covered dessert station complete with "Happy Birthday guitar pick (Jordan also plays guitar).

Jordan mixed and ran a lot of his own music, but he left the real life playing up to his friend.

One of the highlights of the night was Jordan performing a series of magic tricks with his friend, Chris.

Alma and Jeff Engagement Session

2007-05-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Alma and Jeff who just completed their engagement session. For their location choice they wanted to use the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden where they will be getting married in a few months.

They brought a visitor with them, one who isn't permitted by the signs. Luckily our visitor, Bailey, couldn't read, and was very well behaved.

We just had to get a few quick shots of them with "their baby" as they call him before he was returned to the car to watch in the distance.

Of course, there were then many pictures without their dog.

Alma wanted a ring shot atop red roses which are her favorite out of all the flowers of many hues in the garden.

Here's another of them surrounded by the beautiful red flowers in bloom.

...and taking a romantic stroll through the rose garden.

See you both in July.

Photos of the Week (Ending 05/19/07)

2007-05-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

This week's photos of the week (O.K., I admit it's been so hard to limit it to just one photo that I've rarely done it) are from my chef profile of Nate from A-16. Nate is the head chef and here he is with his sous chef working together to prepare a pizza.

Nate hard at work at filling a mouth watering canolli that was delicious.

Wines are pretty important at this place that has over 400 of them, so even there head bar tenders/sommeliers just had to get in some fun photos.

Fun with Color and Curves Portrait

2007-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Paula from Maximum Mama Maternity, whose store I found Tuesday for Town Talk photos, was fun to talk to and had a store with wonderful products. Here Paula's mannequin models a dress that matches both her dress and her head band. I like how all the colors including those of the background curtain and portrait match, and how all the curves on the mannequin, model in the photo and Paula all fit so well together.

After photographing her and talking with her more about her store, I learned she is from the east coast, and since we both traveled around New York at the same time, we had frequented some of the same places, though as far as we know we haven't met before.

Window 1, Brick 0

2007-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

While looking for Town Talk photos yesterday I came across this window in front of a store. Despite being hit by a brick (or perhaps rock or something simliar) this window held its ground. It's also near some hard (strong/resilient) apples, which while strong for apples wouldn't have been hard enough to have caused this damage to the window, so I think makes for a nice juxtaposition and statement about strength.

Ballet Benefit Pages out in SF Daily

2007-05-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

I just got pdfs of the fashion spread using my photos that ran last week in the paper. I like how the teaser photo (of the ballet dancers who were benefitting from the show) is on the same page with an associated Press Photo of a dog dynamically jumping, great call Layout Team.

Click to enlarge any pdfs of the paper.

I had been certain they would use at least one photo of the fashion show itself, which they did, and ran it large. Here's that page.

Here is my photo in color.

The last page, showing many people. I had a great time working this event, especially the chance to shoot the actual show.

I got a call from Carla, the paper's society writer who has written all the society pages I have shot, and we will be working together this weekend on two parties for a future society page.

Talk of the Town

2007-05-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Finding Town Talk opportunities for the paper is fun because though I never know what will be waiting for me in terms of models or products before the shoot.

At Antiquities father Lee crossed sabers with his son, Cristian, who he states is the leading expert on Star Wars trivia. I couldn't stump him with my limited trivia knowledge bank.

Justin, left, was happy to get his friend Jon, a fun and mischievious fellow a job at We Be Knives, the unaware look Jon donned for the photo along with the many knives in the background made for a priceless publicity shot for the store.

Dominique's Senior Session - Part Two

2007-05-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Leal Vineyards is full of beautiful backdrops including this patterned wall for an interesting background for Dominique.

As mentioned in yesterday's entry, as these are going to be used for graduation announcements, we incorporated in the actual cap and gown she will be wearing next month.

As ivy is associated with college and knowledge, finding this on a wall seemed perfect for some shots.

This was one of my favorites of the day for her smile and the angle I used.

I had Frank who opened up his vineyards with me pose with her for a quick photo. He was hapy to let us know that Dominique who had wanted senior photos different from that of her friends was the first, and so far only, senior to have her photos taken at the three year old vineyard.

Dominique's Senior Session - Part One

2007-05-12T16:39:00.001-07:00

With graduation just a few weeks away, high school senior Dominique found time away from 4-H and track to do her senior portrait session. Some of these photos will also serve in her graduation announcement.

As she specifically requested some shots that would not look like those her friends may have had done, we discussed a few locations that I was certain had not been the background for many senior portraits. On our way to one location, inspiration struck and we arrived at the Leal Vineyards.

The owner, Frank Leal, was really great, opening up his whole location (with the exception of the wine tasting room) to us to use.

We had an absolutely beautiful day which matched the radiance of Dominique's smile.

Frank suggested we have fun in the barrel room, I like this shot for both the colors and the name of the product.

Here she is sitting watch over the vineyard.

The amazing colors of the nearby flowers is just one reason why this is a popular place for weddings and events.

As she plans to go to college next year for liberal studies, the future is bright for this pensive teen.

Tomorrow, some more shots from our session including special wardrobe items only possible because we did this session so close to graduation.

Photos of the Week (Ending 05/11/07)

2007-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

This week I got to accompany the San Francisco Daily's society writer, Carla, to a fashion show benefitting the San Francisco Ballet Company. In addition to the traditional small group photos that compromise a lot of the society page, I was given an invitation to shoot the actual show.

Here is one of the dancers, Jeremy and Samantha, who entertained the crowd before the fashion show. We ran this yesterday to tease the society page which ran today.

The models walked down the runway fast, even the official photographer for the society running the show said they "ran like racehorses". Nonetheless, it was a great show, with beautiful clothes, and I especially liked this one as it showed the different colors and the motion of the event.

I will post the pdfs of the pages of the paper as they are sent to me.

Sea Lions

2007-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Connecticut, one of my favorite activities was going to the Mystic Aquarium for their animal show of dolphins, seals and sea lions. As I have no pictures of the show, though dozens from the aquarium, I think they must not have (though the rules may have since changed) allowed photos of the performances.

Going to Fisherman's Wharf for the paper takes me back as there are so many sea lions hanging about. Lots just lounge, but often, they seem to fight, like these on the right.

They also seem to show a lot of emotion. The ones hugging, as best as you can without arms, are just way too cute.

Though they don't do tricks as those in Mystic did, these guys are just great, and I always make sure to visit them when in the area.

The Silver Man at Fisherman's Wharf

2007-05-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Since I often don't have a schedule completly set in stone at the paper, I often get to spend time talking with interesting people. Here is someone I find fascinating because of his approach and dedication to his job.

Meet The Silver Man who works at differen piers at Fisherman's Wharf. When not in costume (non-toxic paint that takes about a quarter of an hour to apply and take off), he's known as Evan.

He acts as a human robot and takes pride in his work. At his feet is a tip jar, and when given a tip, will let passersby take photos of him (often with their kids), he also gives the kids candy.

His job is unpredictable, the weather especially determines if he has a good day or a bad.

He's been doing this since 1984 when a cousin suggested the idea. He proudly states that he's one of the original and most consistent human robot performers.

When asked what he'd like to be doing in a few years, his answer surprised me. He said he is going to school part-time and would like to be a chef. I told him about the chef profiles I am doing for my paper, and told him when he accomplishes his dream we would definitely be interested in doing a piece on him.

A Favorite Wedding Photo

2007-05-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Chauntel, married a little over a year, was unable to choose a most important photo from her special day, however, she did select this one as her favorite from the day.

She choose this one as they were so relaxed (neither of them were aware of me taking it), spontaneous in their laughter, and as it just overall represents all the emotions of being just married.

A Literal Sign

2007-05-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this sign on the ground, and just had to take a picture of how well it is following its own direction. Not only does it point out a detour, it takes one itself on the ground. Pretty funny and ironic, I thought.

Ron Thompson + A Special Guitar

2007-05-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

When Ron Thompson came to JJ's Blues this Friday club owner Johnnie Perkins did something he's never done before, let a musician use a guitar that had belonged to his father.

Johnnie asked me as House Photographer to get a lot of him using the guitar, so he could email some back to his mother. Ron used the guitar for two songs which he played sitting down, so I had to crawl up the stps leading to the stage, and be leading into, and at some points be on the edge of the stage to capture Ron.

Here are two of my favorites, one with the exit sign in the background, the "proove this was at JJ's detail", and another showing his own guitars, which happened to be lit another color by the stage lighting.

The Most Important Shot

2007-05-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

At John and Monique's wedding last month I took many photographs that were candid moments, posed/formal shots of family and friends, and some detail shots. I was asked to create a detail shot that represented a request I had never had before.

After shooting the couple's ring finger hands, which I did both using a wall for texture and over their marriage certificate from the church (the latter the bride's idea) the bride asked if I would do a similar shot of her and her grandmother.

This is that shot, using the bride's dress as a background.

The bride told me that her grandmother wore an engagement ring, a wedding band, and a mother's ring and that each had a specific history within their family. The bride loved this shot (and as I was shooting digital I was able to show it to both of them right away on the camera back. She told me that while all the shots I had taken before were important and would be treasured (including many that showed both her and her grandmother's face) this one was most important to her for the whole day as it showed the rings, which were very sentimental to them both.

This post the first of what will be a regular feature of current and past brides (and possibly grooms) relating their most important shot of the day and why.

Photos of the Week (Ending 05/04/07)

2007-05-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I blogged some photos used in advertising, set up shots with lighting and backgrounds, with the final product in black and white. These two photos are also advertising photos of shots.

First, Julio, a line cook at Fresca, calmly works over a rising flame. My editor JP, said this photo (meant to be in Town Talk to raise awareness of the restaurant) made him want to eat.

Usually when I do Town Talk photos, I look for a person and a literal product. This week I found the adoption center at Pets Unlimited and just had to get a shot of Ambrose, a German Shepherd mix waiting for a home and Lisa, an attendant. When I did Pet of the Week Photos for the Pinnacle, I just shot the animals alone, but this shot in Town Talk will really go far in showing how well this dog gets along with people, and I hope gets him a new home as well.

Product Advertising Shots

2007-05-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

When I shot advertising shots before, they were almost always going to be in color. Here is the latest ad for Fredericksen's Hardware, shot in color, but would run in black and white. I will be shooting them every few weeks to advertise some new items.

First Chef Profile Published

2007-05-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Monday wasn't only the launch of my new website, it was also the first day the San Francisco Daily ran one of my chef's profiles. In what will be a series (most likely weekly), my first profile is about Erik Hopfinger who became a chef in the European apprenticeship tradition (work for room, board, spending cash and an one-on-one education with a head chef.

Click either to enlarge.

Erik's helped create the shared plate style of food at Circa. It encourages sharing and tasting many things at one meal. A great idea and with all menu items under $20 within most price ranges as well.

More of Eric in color: