Funny Faces...

One of my first experiences as a photographer was as a shooter for my high school yearbook. I was about fifteen years old and my assignments consisted of writing profile pieces on students and then taking their picture. This began my life long passion for photographing people. I love capturing that spark, that hint of a smile, that uninhibited light in the eyes that reveals an individuals spirit.

Whenever I have a photography session I approach it the way I would want to be photographed. I try to be as down to earth as possible in an attempt to get my subject to relax. I also like to express a lot of praise - to reassure them that magic is a-brewin'.

Here are a few portraits I've taken in the last couple of months. I love the moment when I know I've "gotten" the essence of the person. It continues to remain a thrill.

I'm With The Band...

There are three things I love most in the world and that's photography, writing and music. When I get the chance to do any of them -- my creative juices start to flow and images begin to formulate in my mind.

When I was asked to photograph a Brazilian band for their CD cover, I was lucky enough to get the chance to combine two of my passions. The band - called Toquali - said they wanted something that expressed the energy of their music and their personalities. So after listening to a couple of their demo songs, various ideas began to take shape.

I had the idea of wanting to combine different city textures that would give off a cool musical vibe. Sort of like little scenes in the city you might stumble upon if you happened to be a passerby.

I scouted locations ahead of time, but I also made sure to leave room for a little unplanned magic to happen. Everybody showed up ready to rock and roll and I think that attitude shines through in the photos. We made each other laugh, and for a short time all of our creative energy became one. My favorite part was when I was photographing them sing acapella. People on the street stopped to listen and even a few cars slowed down to try and catch a little bit of the magic that was happening.

Details and Color

One of the things I am always drawn to when I'm shooting is texture and color. From a leaf on the ground, to a piece of fruit on a fruit stand. I like to study how the light is falling on the object and then try my best to bring out in a photograph what I can see with my eye.
These images were taken on the island of Kauai. The rich vegetation makes for gloriously juicy color and the constant overcast skies add a kind of graceful glow to everything.

I don't think anyone could take a bad photograph in Hawaii but sometimes the magic isn't in the grand seascape or the panoramic view, it's in the little details. The ones you don't really pay attention to. Here are a few that I discovered as I was going through more of my files. One of these days I will have my computer nice and orderly. Until then...

Things with Texture

One of the first assignments I was ever given in school was to study how light creates texture. So I went out at a time of day when the shadows were long and could be a little more interesting. I always remembered that, and applied those lessons learned when I visited this old abandoned train yard.

The location is about 80 miles east of San Diego in a rural area that's pretty much off the beaten track. I wanted to photograph the details because of the amazing texture I saw. I love how weathered things get when they've been abandoned for so long.

Even the most mundane things like a gutter can be interesting if the light and shadows are right.


This particular building has been abandoned for more than twenty years. It was eerily quiet as I walked around. Just the bzzzzzz of a nearby bees nest to keep me company.

Trip to Santa Barbara

Recently my best friend and I took a drive along the coast to Santa Barbara for a little R&R. It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect for a road trip. I've known Lori since I was five, and we always have a blast no matter where we go. We knew it would take about five hours, so we cranked up the tunes and began to dish the entire way up Highway 101. I couldn't have asked for a better couple of days to take some photographs. This first photograph was taken at the Carousel near the Santa Barbara Pier.

This signage made me laugh. Where else but in California would you find a "no Stilleto" sign?
Isn't this the cutest sign? Love the way the late afternoon light is hitting it. This was taken on State Street closer to the water. I particularly love all the charming shop signs I saw.

This is the pathway you can walk that leads to the pier. Feels a bit like France, doesn't it?

I liked the way the late afternoon shadows added some dimension to this pic. Makes me want to toss a towel down and take a nap in the sun.

I think this image epitomizes California beach life. The flag, the blue waters, the sandy beaches.

Anyone up for a little dip?

Desert Shooting

Today is Sunday August 16, 2009 and I have been very diligent about trying to organize my photo files into some semblance of order today. It is one of my goals to get everything unified so finding things can will take seconds instead of minutes. Can't wait to put a big red X through my "to do" list after it's completely finished. It gives me a little thrill of satisfaction. Plus I like to smell the big fat sharpie before I close the cap. : )

While I was sorting through images -- I came across these photos of Ida who was part of my Palm Springs photo shoot a few months ago. I love the way the wind is whipping across her face in the bathing suit picture. The energy she is giving off is really stunning. We moved locations and headed for the infamous wind mills and it was just the right time of day. About 6:00 pm.

I shot the one of her walking with just the white shirt on with the sun hitting my lens on purpose. I wanted it to create a blown out look which I think it did beautifully. I boosted the sepia/yellow color with an action from Kubuto called 300esq. I like that action. This last image of her walking I particularly like because you can almost feel the dusty sand between her feet and her contemplative mood. The texture of the blue jeans gives it that extra special snap too.

Engagement Photo Shoot

About a week and a half ago my good friend Tokeli got engaged to her gorgeous boyfriend, Joe. She asked me to take some quick photos for her "Save the Date" invites so we headed downtown to find a cool location.
We discovered it right off the bat. These images were shot in the back alley of a Z Gallery store near Market Street. I love the texture of the brick, and how it gives an east coast feel to the images. I love trying to make locations look like they're some place else. It's kinda fun to travel in your own backyard.



Next up is her wedding on New Years Eve. Can't wait.

Noel and Tom's Wedding at the Hotel Del Coronado

It was so fortunate that yesterday we had overcast skies down at the coast. Noel and Tom who got married yesterday had a lovely intimate ceremony on the beach just steps away from the Hotel Del. The shoot started at about 8:00 am - which included getting ready shots and some portraits of the bride.
I was a little worried about the sun being too bright since we're smack in the middle of summer, but it was my lucky day. It stayed overcast - creating a wonderful soft light perfect for doing portraits.
By about 10:15 am the bride and groom portraits had been taken, and it was just a short half hour wait for the ceremony to begin. Amidst fighter jets flying past, and a rather large sand roller cruising by, the ceremony got underway. The Rabi did a great job and just twenty minutes later Noel and Tom walked back down the flower strewn sand as man and wife.



Both Noel and Tom were very easy going, quite calm before and after the event, and were really a pleasure to photograph. These are just a few of my favorite images from the day. I hope you enjoy them.