Reflection

After all the rain that we’ve had here in SoCal the past week we had to get out and decided to go to the Zoo yesterday to relax and photograph some animals other than human. But wouldn’t you know it, my favorite of the day was my son! Maybe because it involved more than just me, but all of us to make the photo: my wife Veronica and both my sons Ben and Liam.

It’s great when we can go out and do something together. Isn’t that what family is all about? The best thing about it is I have an image that will be a lasting memory of this day.

By The Lake

Sometimes I find it really hard to believe how much time has gone by in my life. Maybe it’s because I've lived away from my hometown for so long. Or maybe still because I don’t see my longtime friends enough.

That’s what happened when I saw Mark and Fern. When I see them I still picture how they were in high school. Still together and haven’t even aged a bit! Then I see their kids. Whoa! Look at them! They’re not kids! They’re all grown up! How old they are here is how old we were when we were all hangin’ out! Do they still say “hangin’ out”?

That’s when I realize I am getting old and time is going pretty fast and and and… well… you get the picture…

Docs & Chucks

Old weathered and cracked steps, a little bit of lens flare, Docs and Chucks, a sunset just around the corner, and an adventurous couple willing to go wherever and whenever together… Miguel and Vanessa… These two are awesome! Best of all, these two are so meant for each other.

Kickin' It

A little while back, I set up a mini portrait/photo session with a couple of the Senseis from my son's Kenpo class at the dojo, the images of which are going to be used for their website. After all the "safe" shots were done, I figured I would play a little bit and make some creative images for the site. This is one of them from the series.

JR

It’s not very often that I get to see a young player that has size, speed, and athleticism all rolled into one. Then again, I don’t get to see youth football games very often either. Well, thanks to Crystal I got a chance to see and photograph her son Junior play. Against their rival team too!

So that I could get better photos of him, I asked Crystal the usual questions like what position he plays, how often does he play, does he play other positions, blah blah blah. Well she told me he plays just about everything, both offense and defense, and pretty much plays the whole game. Oh… and he’s going to get the ball a lot.

Wow was she right! He got the ball a lot! And when he was playing defense, wherever the ball was, he was there. He was all over the place! He scored 2 touchdowns (one of them being this run) and 2 conversions with one of the touchdowns being a 40+ yard run and I don’t even know how many tackles he had. He was phenomenal!

Alas, even after his valiant efforts, they lost the game. But at least I got to see a great kid and a great player play. Maybe even the beginnings of a future great NFL player. Now that would be cool!

Phia

Isn't it funny how those kids that are so energetic, fearless, and carefree are the ones that I think are so adorable?! Always smiling and ever so confident, they have this certain charm that’s so irresistible. That’s how I describe Sophia. She’s far from being the girlish type. If she were she wouldn’t be Liam’s partner in crime.

Sophia doesn't give me very many chances to photograph her. I think I'm averaging maybe once a year. So when the chance arises I take advantage of it!

This was taken at the Lopez Ranch Pumpkin Patch right on Sunset and just a stone’s throw away from the Whiskey a Go Go. It’s a great place to go to for pumpkins and Christmas trees. And since it’s in such an awesome location it’s also a great place to get a chance to see some celebrities.

Golden

The Rondaels… Maximo and Didi… 50 years of marriage… their Golden Anniversary… so hard to imagine. It’s such an incredible milestone! Even after all those years, you can still see that spark in their eyes when they are together. So beautiful!

Even more incredible is the indelible impression these two leave with everyone that they meet. So many people came up to them to congratulate them and also to get a picture with them, almost as if they were rock stars! They hardly had a chance to have their dinner! But were they bothered by any of this? Not one bit! They were as kind and inviting as ever.

I photographed this reflection of the two of them on a window pane outside of the reception hall when the party was winding down. While it may seem like a ghostly image of them, to me it’s more than that. To me it’s an image that transcends their mortality into immortality. After all, I believe the true measure of a person’s success isn’t by how much material wealth they accumulate, but by how many hearts and souls they have touched along the way. And for so many years they have and continue to touch so many hearts and souls... together.

M&M

Veronica and I recently had the privilege of photographing Michael and Mark's wedding. It was our first same sex wedding and was truly one that we’ll never forget. The amount of unending love and incredible support for what they were doing was truly remarkable! During the ceremony, Pastor Dan Smith asked for a show of hands to see how many of us were experiencing our first same sex wedding. It was unanimous. Almost everyone, myself included, raised their hands.

To be honest I never thought I would attend a same sex wedding. Why? Because I never really knew very many people that were gay or lesbian. I did make friends with them, but I did it blindly. Then again, I never really cared, or tried to understand what gays or lesbians were about, or why they were who they were. I would totally shut myself off when it came to the subject. I was a fool.

Then I met Michael and Mark. When my wife and I were getting to know them and were asking about their special day, I felt something very different. They seemed so happy, so alive. But there was something else. Something that I just couldn’t put a finger on… something special. What was it?!

We then went on to photograph their engagement and pre-wedding session. It was an unforgettable experience and I learned a lot about patience (but that’s another story altogether). Still I didn’t figure out just what that something special was.

Finally the wedding day was here. I photographed… I listened… I observed… then I finally understood! As I said before, there was a huge outpouring of love and support for the two of them. More than I’ve ever seen before at a wedding. It was such a wonderfully happy and joyous celebration!

But what was it that I learned from this experience? I finally learned and understood what that special something was. It was that they are truly genuine, truthful, and honest to themselves and to everyone else around them. They are alive because of the honesty that they have to themselves and of whom they are. They feel free and are released from the burden or need of hiding behind a façade. And most of all, they found and fell in love with somebody else that believes the same thing.

All around me were people that were truly happy about who they were and they weren’t afraid to show it. Regardless of whether or not they were gay or straight didn’t matter. They were comfortable being themselves and they were truly happy…

Chairs in the Attic

It's funny how we can pass by a spot over and over again and never think about photographing a portrait there. It could be for a number of reasons: ugly area, too dirty, unappealing, drab and dreary. Well this is one of those spots.

While photographing Celeste's Quince, we walked up to the balcony of the restaurant (Tamayo Restaurant in East LA) to take some photos. The only way to get up there though was to go through the attic. As we passed through I saw all those chairs and thought "This would be a great spot for a portrait!".

Sooo… once we completed the portraits on the balcony I stopped, grabbed another chair, asked Celeste, my model to sit down and prop her Chucks... er... shoes on the chair and started shooting away. Needless to say, the guy that was escorting us really looked at me funny at 1st… up until I showed him the photos. Same with the restaurant manager.

With all the weddings, events, and quinces that they’ve had there, guess they never had a photographer take a photo in that spot before. Hehe…

Sugar and Spice

Sugar and spice
and everything nice
that's what little girls are made of

Sunshine and rainbows
and ribbons for hair bows
that's what little girls are made of

Tea parties, laces
and baby doll faces
that's what little girls are made of

Living in LA

When I was growing up in San Diego, I never thought that I would ever make a move to Los Angeles. I had jobs that took me over to LA but that's about it. I loved my hometown too much to leave it. With plenty of sunshine, friendly people, and the beach ever so close by, who wouldn't.

Fast forward to the present. I now have been living in LA for the past 14 years. I'm married to a beautiful woman that was born and raised in East LA. We have 2 boys both born and being raised in LA. And my son Ben is a true blue Dodgers fan (I never ever thought that that would happen).

So do I miss living in San Diego? Of course I do! Do I regret moving to LA? After looking at my family, NOT AT ALL!!!

Jeff & Shey

I love it when I come back to my home town. And even better when I get the chance to see a bunch of the friends that I grew up with. What better time to see them than at an extra special occasion... like a wedding... Jeff and Shey's wedding.

At their engagement session they were always smiling, always laughing, always willing to sneak a kiss. It's no wonder they got married. These two were meant for each other!

Celeste

Whenever I get an opportunity to have plenty of time, no limits (except not to wreck the dress), and a daring model, I have fun!

The model was Celeste and the event was her "Not Your Typical Quince Quince". We were in between the ceremony and the party with plenty of time to do some photos. Since she was not having a typical Quince, I figured I would photograph some "Not Your Typical Quince" portraits.

Aside from the taggers kids running through a couple of times to disrupt our session, we had a blast!

Grandchild

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, .... 10 fingers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, .... 10 toes. My child's hand holding her child's hand. Wow! I'm a grandfather now!

Old Enough

Too young to go out alone but old enough to yearn for it. Too young to know all bad but old enough to remember it. Too young to know all good but old enough to enjoy it. Too young to know what's love but old enough to want it. Too young to know what's sad but old enough to feel it. Too young to know true happiness but old enough to cherish it.

Kaiden

This is Kaiden. He's one of the cousins that my son Liam doesn't see very often. I actually caught him in a rare moment when he didn't make a face or run away from me. He actually agreed for me to photograph him. WOW!

Anyway... when I was young, I loved seeing my cousins, especially the ones that I didn't see often. We would go out and play and play and play until... my parents would say we have to go.

Then it was a game of tug of war trying to convince my parents if we could stay over, or if they could stay over, or something if only just to hang out a little bit longer. It never worked but at least we tried.

Now with technology, we can see and interact with our cousins, relatives, and friends from anywhere in the world at any time as if they were just next door. Texting, Twitter, Facebook: it's all there at a moments whim. We can even find and create new relationships and friendships without even physically meeting a person or even hearing their voice.

Maybe I'm old school, but as for me, I still cherish the moments of being there face to face, shaking their hand or giving them a hug, seeing their expressions, their smiles, their emotions. To me, technology can never ever replace that. To me, all those rare moments are golden...

Runnin' Through The Mist

After a very busy weekend that got us running from Griffith Park in LA to San Diego to Temecula and Perris, I took a day off to relax and recharge. I figured I'd take my son to the LA Zoo for a nice comfortable stroll... This is what I got... I made a mistake!

Alex

Did an impromptu portrait session with Alex on Friday and figured I'd include something that signifies his passion, music. Aside from playing the guitar he plays the drums too and he's pretty damn good at playing both!

Anyway... he just graduated from high school and is hoping to become an attorney. Congrats and good luck to him and his future!

Ben 10

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then what do I see when I look into my son's eyes? I see love, compassion, empathy, intelligence, his passion for music, and a never ending thirst for knowledge.

Now that he's 10, I see a wealth of opportunity open in front of him. I also see his incredible ability and our incredible gift. A gift that I hope we can nurture, to develop, to care for, to help him find success in his life. And, above all, to be happy! I love you son! Happy birthday!!!

Nicholas

Had a fun Senior portrait session with Nicholas this past weekend. It definitely was entertaining to say the least! As well as playing basketball, he also played volleyball and was the Team Captain for his high school's volleyball team, which explains the jersey.

As far as the location, we couldn't find an indoor place to go to for the volleyball stuff, so we went to the beach instead. We were able to get some great action shots and finished with some photographs from a path that led from the beach back to the street.

Jumping Rope

Hmmm... How many excuses have I come up with to keep me from exercising? Lessee: I have an appointment. I don't have time. I gotta cook. I gotta clean. I gotta watch the kids. I gotta watch the game. I have too much work. I have no clothes for exercising. I can't afford it. I'm happy with my weight. I'm too fat. I'm too depressed. I'm too old. I have a backache. I have a headache. I have a hang nail. I have flat feet. I can't see my feet. I'm too tired.

Excuses excuses excuses!!! I really need to start exercising! I'll start tomorrow...

Gabriel

Had an awesome time with a portrait session that we had this past weekend. First we photographed Gabriel for his upcoming Hollywood themed 15th birthday party. Then we had a portrait session with his whole family including his nephew and nieces. Altogether it came out to 4 families. Definitely a full day!

There was one thing that I did notice while photographing Gabriel though was that Miami Vice look. I may be getting old and not really up on the new trends but is this look making a comeback? Hmmm...

Laundromat

If nobody knows by now, I take a camera everywhere with me. From the playground, to the movies, to the restaurant, or even a long tiring day at the laundromat it's with me. Granted I don't take any food shots though. Heaven knows there's enough of those going around the internet.

But the one thing that I love doing is photographing life. Whether it's my life or someone elses special moment, I enjoy seeing and capturing them. It's like my memory pill. Once I see an image that I was a part of, those thoughts, feelings, and emotions all come rushing back beginning from the moment that I clicked the shutter.

Together

On this Cinco de Mayo, I can't help but think of the innocence of our children. When we were young, we didn't know or care about color, or nationality, or even how much somebody had. We didn't know what hate or intolerance was. We just wanted to play together.

Then we got older and we learned... we were taught about our differences... we were taught hate... we were taught intolerance.

So maybe if we forget all that we were taught... our differences, hatred, and intolerance, maybe we will play together again... and become young again too...

Blowin' Away

I read an article in MedicineNet.com that hay fever affects up to 30% of all Americans and over $1 billion is spent each year in this country to treat the disorder, as well as millions of school and work days each year are lost by sufferers of hay fever symptoms. And these figures are probably an underestimate!

Now why do I have to be one of those 30%?!? Ugh!!!

Determination

After 11 years of being together, I'm still amazed by the things my wife has accomplished. When I first met her, she was a young, unhappy, insecure, 220 lb woman still working temp jobs and trying to find a solid career.

The weight has been something she's battled with practically all of her life. But after Ben was born she vowed to lose all that weight and become an example of health and well being, and most importantly, to prove to herself that she could do it.

That was almost 10 years ago. About a year after that, she lost almost 90 lbs and, for the exception of being pregnant with Liam, has been able to keep it off. How did she do it? The old fashion way: through shear willpower, diet, and exercise.

Now she's a confident, secure woman with a clear career path. But that perseverance, that determination is why I love her so much.

Fearless

Went with my son to the park today and watched in amazement as he began to dive head first down a steep "s" shaped slide. First time he did it he was definitely scared but after doing it he realized that there was nothing to fear and he wouldn't get hurt. So after that first try he went back again and again until there was no more fear but still lots of fun.

It made me realize that if he didn't try it the first time he would've never found out how much fun it was. It also made me realize how many things I've avoided trying because it seemed too steep or too scary. All the fun that I missed... but it's not too late to go back and give it a try.

Bubbles...

Seems to me that the older I get, the harder it is for me to be fascinated by anything. The only true fascination for me now is watching the kids grow and seeing their faces light up when they discover something new and wonderful. That's one beautiful fascination that I know I'll never grow tired of...

Click!

It's amazing how much can be found nowadays with just the click of a mouse. All you gotta do is Google it. Sooo simple! It still doesn't change the need to yell at your kids to do their homework though!

I still remember the days when I needed to find information on something I would go to the bookshelf full of encyclopedias and dig for it. If I couldn't find it there I'd go to the library. That's after walking 10 miles to it uphill, barefooted, in the snow, both ways!

Okay... so the snow part's not true.

I'm Melting!!!

Just 2 weeks ago it was in the mid 60s and raining in SoCal. Now the warmth is back. Back to the temps in the 70s and 80s, the never ending sunshine and melting ice cream. My little guy doesn't like the melting part though...

Guitar Heroes

Had a session over the weekend where the family loved to play "Rock Band" together. So I figured I'd make it look like they were playing it in their living room. This is one of the outtakes from the session. Man was this fun!!!

Freshly Cut Grass

What do you get when you go to a dew filled park early in the morning with freshly cut grass? A child with wet shoes covered in grass and the memory of him running through it all without a care in the world!

Debutante

Thought I'd post one of the images that we took at this past weekend's Debut. Got the Debutante to pose with 2 of her BFFs and asked them to give me a little attitude. Boy that was easy! Or maybe they were just sick of the photographer... hmmm...

Young Eyes

Watching my kids grow and discover the world around them with their fresh young eyes makes me remember why I love photography so much. Because when I look through the lens I try and discover the world in new and different ways, not just one.

And when I do capture that moment, I know that I just captured that memory, not only for a split second, but forever...

Deanne

Had a portrait session with Deanne in San Diego's Balboa Park last weekend for her upcoming Debut. What a great location! So many beautiful places for portraiture but also so many people and photographers as well. It's so rewarding though when you pair a wonderful model together with an equally wonderful location!

Enzo

He's an Italian Mastiff (also known as a Cane Corso) and is such an incredibly beautiful dog!

It's almost startling when you first see him. He's intimidatingly big and strong yet so elegant and regal in stature. I want one!!!

Binoculars

Ahh the playful innocence of a child. It seems the older we get the narrower our vision gets. Seeing only what we want to see.

Looking at this photo makes me wonder... maybe she's not looking through those binoculars the wrong way but right way. Because instead of focusing on a little piece of the world, she's able to see it all.

Holy Water

Went to Mission San Diego de Alcala over the weekend for my son's 4th grade Mission project. He elected to do the field trip instead of building a model and I'm glad he did. The Church is beautiful!

This is a detail of one of the holy water fonts that they had over there. I thought it was pretty cool that they had the cross on the bottom of the font.

Here's a history excerpt from the Mission's website:

"San Diego de Alcala, the first of the great California Missions, marks the birthplace of Christianity in the far West. It is California's first church. This remarkable and significant historical shrine provides an understanding and appreciation of the beginning of Catholicism in this corner of the world, so remote from the Mother Country of Spain and yet so similar. "

1st Day

Tuesday was my little son's 1st day of preschool. He is finally starting his journey of learning and education. He's been looking forward to going to school for quite some time now.

Always grabbing a book and pretending to read or grabbing some paper and telling us he's doing his homework, now it's the real thing. Let's see how long that enjoyment lasts. I hope it lasts forever!

Cowboy

He's my muse and monster, blessing and curse, gift and bane of my existence. He's the ballast I need to right my ship. Once he gives me that smile, all my problems seem to melt away. So whether it's one or the other I love him too much to give back. He's my little Liam.

Devotion

I saw this while driving down Garfield Avenue some time before Christmas and haven't had a chance to stop and photograph it until the other day. It caught my attention once I saw the flowers. They're wilted now but I can still feel the amount of devotion that was given for such an iconic image.

The painting is by a Chicano artist by the name of Israel Valenzuela. I have no other information about him other than that.

Happy New Year!!!

What do you do when you've got a New Years party and a bunch of camera equipment? Do a photobooth of course! We set it up with a paper background for everybody to tag on, one flash strobe, and a camera with a remote trigger and tethered to a laptop for instant review. Wow what fun!!!

I hope that everyone else had a great New Years eve as well. And also hope that everybody's dreams and wishes come true this coming year! No matter what, at least I'll try to make mine happen. That's my resolution.