Mom Says I'm Running Away

September 7th, 2010:

Kimberly (in blue) contacted me a few weeks ago about a photo session and told me about her family, who reside on three separate continents and are rarely together, were all going to be gathered in Southern California on Labor Day weekend. I, of course, told her we could make it work and went to work on picking the perfect location.

When they arrived at Malibu Creek State Park, on a 90 degree summer afternoon, dressed so elaborately, I almost felt guilty for what I was about to do.  I shook hands and introduced myself and Felicia, then proceeded to informed them of the trail where we would have to walk a few hundred meters, to get to where I wanted to shoot.  They were all smiles and understanding,  the ladies in flip-flops holding their heels, and Mark just sauntering down the path.

When we arrived at the location, everyone was awed by the giant oak, and instantly began to trust all the crazy ideas I began to throw at them for the next hour or so.   I told them to think Vogue meets GQ (sinced they dress so stylishly already).

After I shot the above picture of Nicola and showed it to her, she looked stunned and said “Wow! I didn’t know I could do that!”.  The smile on her face was really one of the best compliments I have ever received.

The sisters, looking appropriately badass.

Mark and Mary, after about 45 minutes of shooting, agreed that modeling was hard work and it’s no wonder that professionals make so much money.

Thanks for the great shoot guys and I hope you cherish these images while you are living apart.

September 1st, 2010:

Heather met Ian one evening during a girls night out in Downtown Fullerton. She may have been the designated driver for the night, but that didn’t stop her from exclaiming a little too loudly how attractive she found her Bartender.  Ian couldn’t help but throw a little banter her way, which soon became conversation, and the rest became history.

Ian is no longer working at the bar, but when they decided to do engagement photos, he called up the owner who let us use the location for their shoot.

When Felicia and I arrived at the lounge I was thrilled – and overwhelmed – by the location.  Thrilled, because it is such a spectacular shooting location with extensive character and charm, but overwhelmed, because I knew I would never be able to completely use everything the bar had to offer in just one hour before the bar got busy.  A few minutes later when Heather and Ian showed up dressed to the nines, everything clicked and I started a shooting rampage (of the photographic kind, of course)!

After about an hour indoors, our fabulous couple changed into something a little more casual and we stepped outside for a different look.

Congrats again to this great couple! Felicia and I can’t wait to shoot your wedding next summer!

August 30th, 2010:

Downtown LA can be a gritty place, but grit also exudes charm and character. When we met Natalia and Hernan in front of  the Geffen Museum in Little Tokyo we had intended to shoot there, but were quickly chased off by security saying we needed permission, because it is owned by the city.

Oh well, we quickly regrouped and headed to the Arts District a few blocks away where we were able to shoot to our hearts content.

The young couple were such troopers as we made our way around on a very hot SoCal afternoon, and despite having to quickly change locations, they hammed it up for the camera, all smiles despite the sweltering heat.

August 24th, 2010:

Having spent time with Alex & Mina at an engagement shoot and a bridal portrait session over the past few months, Felicia and I almost felt like we were photographing long-time friends when their wedding day finally came around.

Mina’s planning and attention to detail certainly paid off as we breezed through the day’s well-planned and brilliantly-executed proceedings, enjoying & capturing the visual feast that was the Bride’s vision brought to life.

It was a rigorous 16-hour wedding, one of the longest we have shot – and just shy of our own marathon 20-hour wedding day – but we left with joy, excitement and high spirits … and two pairs of very sore feet.

August 21st, 2010:

A few weeks back, on a wonderfully sunny Tuesday morning we met Carrie and Robert at the Griffith Observatory. Without a care in the world, we spent an hour traipsing all about the observatory using it as our own private studio. With the stark blue skies and the Hollywood Hills in the background, we found the perfect setting for this couple who will be tying the knot in December.

August 17th, 2010:

A couple of weeks back (actually 11 days ago) Felicia and I had the chance to shoot Brianna and Mike’s wedding day at the Lindley Scott House in Azusa.  The location was spectacular, the trees were green and the August weather agreed with us (read: we didn’t melt), it was all you could ask for to celebrate such a joyous occasion.

The day flew by, but I hope these images help keep the memories fresh for the rest of Brianna and Mike’s days.

By the way, I absolutely loved the vintage details in the Lindley Scott House, I wish they would have left the House itself open for longer!

Mike and Brianna took to the dance floor with some VERY killer first dance moves.  Whenever I see a couple really shine on the dance floor, it makes me wish I had taken some dance classes back in college to go with my theatre degree. Alas, according to the wife, I don’t really have the moves.

Mmmm… cake… You would think this would be the best part of my job, but somehow we always seem to miss out on the wedding cake.
But today was different: I had myself a tasty slice washed down with a cup of coffee. I can’t say the same for Felicia, I think she must have been off taking pictures or something…

Congratulations again Mike and Brianna and we wish you many years of happiness together!

We even got in on the fun in their bright red photobooth, wooo hoo!

August 9th, 2010:

Last week I got a brand new 50mm f/1.2 lens which I am super excited about.  Incidentally, later that same evening Felicia and I were schedule to meet Chelsea and Mike in the Gardens at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

We had ourselves a grand old time shooting their engagement session on this beautiful Los Angeles evening. When the sun finally set and we had to move out to the lamppost exhibit outside the front gates, the skies turned a dusky blue and the pictures got even better!

I am thrilled that we got to meet this couple of fellow travelers (Mike spent a few years on the road on a trip similar to mine, and he and Chelsea met while on vacation!) and I am thrilled to add this new toy to my camera kit.  Thanks for the great session guys!

August 6th, 2010:

As promised, part 2 of Amber and Chirag’s big day!  Their American Ceremony and reception.  It was a long and wonderful day and congrats again to the new couple!

August 5th, 2010:

Last week Felicia and I had the chance to capture Amber and Chirag’s ceremonies at Rancho del Cielo in Malibu, CA.  Now I say ceremonies (plural) because they celebrated in both a customary Indian Hindu ceremony and an American ceremony.   The Indian ceremony came first, so today I have posted that half of the wedding celebration, come back tomorrow to check out the rest of their pictures!

July 30th, 2010:

Eli and Selene met when they were 14. Eli had a huge crush on her, but Selene was always more interested in her book on the bench outside the room with the yellow door.  So a decade later, when they want an engagement session, what better place to start shooting than where it all began?

After a quick half an hour session at the school in Canoga Park, we moved over to Warner Center amongst the towering buildings to continue our shoot… unfortunately building security didn’t agree with our choice to shoot there and we were asked to leave.  A quick idea from Eli and we headed to the top floor of the parking garage where we were able to shoot in peace as the sun dropped on the horizon. Who knew parking structures could be so cool?