Monday, December 16, 2013

Absolute Love? Absolutely!


They say that love comes in different shapes and sizes, races, colors and creeds. Well it also comes in same gender as many of you know this. It is still taboo or can become a very heated topic of conversation.

We have watched in awe as these ladies have raised their two beautiful daughters, keeping full time jobs, and giving so much to the community and people around them while fighting the stigma that all same sex couples face on a daily basis.

It is evident that nothing can tear you apart when you are with the one you love and we have them to thank for that REALITY. A special thank you to Lisa Bove and Renna Killen for being such awesome supporters of our work and awesome examples too of what love truly is. We couldn't have better cheerleaders!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Rhianna


So where do you take somebody in LA that’s getting ready for her Debut… er… um… Swebut that’s lush and green (and natury?) that doesn’t look at all like LA? Fern Dell, that’s where!!! At least that’s where we took Rhianna for her pre Debut… uh… Swebut photo session. And it was awesome! Right after the rain! Glad the dress didn’t get wrecked. Whew!!!

All the photo info that I know:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f2.8L IS set at f/2.8, 1/80, ISO 200, 78mm.
Lighting: 1 580EXII on a monopod with medium softbox @ 1/32 power to the right just out of frame held by son and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Stylin


It is not often that we get the privilege of capturing such a stunning group of athletes in action, and it's even less often that they go "vogue" for us on our little studio set up. With hours of training on them, endless homework assignments, and chores, not to mention friends and family gatherings, I often wonder....do they even sleep? Super humans perhaps and super gracious. Thank you again for being great role models; all of you!

And the camera stuff:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f2.8L IS set at f/8, 1/125, ISO 400, 80mm.
Lighting: 2 580EXII with 36” umbrellas, one on each side behind talent @ ½ power 2 Bowens GM500s with 46” umbrellas to the left and right @ f/8. Metered by Sekonic L358 and all triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Gym Time


After the past couple of weekends photographing these young gymnasts, I’ve got some newfound respect for these athletes!

Just watching them practice over and over and over, again and again and again, flip after flip after flip, jump after jump after jump, and seeing their determination to get it right was phenomenal! And then after at least 4 hours of doing that (not to mention some of them doing this up to 6 days a week) to take photos with a smile on their faces and an eagerness to do some more (and get it perfect) is nothing short of amazing!

So from now on I vow to stop complaining about going to the gym for an hour and just go. Well… I’m gonna try at least.

… and for those that want to know the geeky photo stuff:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f2.8L IS set at f/8, 1/160, ISO 800, 80mm.
Lighting: 2 580EXII with 36” umbrellas, one on each side behind talent @ ¼ power triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Kara

So what do I think is the difference between working a commercial shoot with a professional model and working with a bride and groom, or even a family for a portrait session?

For a commercial shoot, whether it be a swim suit, hand blender, or a motorcycle, it’s all about the product. And we’re both there, as well as a team of other people like art directors, marketing directors, makeup artists, etc., to help sell the product and to make that product look good.

But how about the ones that aren’t commercial, the Weddings, the Quinces and Debutantes, the seniors and the babies, and the families? For those it’s all about capturing the moment. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about selling a product. It’s about capturing an emotion, it’s about capturing a feeling, and it’s about freezing a beautiful moment in time and holding onto it for an eternity.

So what is my favorite part of both? The relationships! To me it’s all about the relationship. I’ve built many new and interesting friendships through photography and it never ceases to amaze me the stories I’ve heard and experiences I’ve had in this journey. I just hope that this journey never ends.

Now for the geeky picture stuff:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 24-105 f4L IS set at f/5.6, 1/125, ISO 500, 50mm.
Lighting: 2 Bowens GM500s @ f/6.3 power shooting through 6x3 white diffuser above camera triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Blanca


What better way to celebrate a sweet 16 than to cruise the city of LA by limousine with a few of the besties. And what better place to go to than the iconic Urban Light sculpture at LACMA. Man was it crowded! But at least we got a few photos in.

Hope you had a great time Blanca. I know we did!

Now for the geek, but Greek to everybody else, photo info:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200 f2.8L IS set at 1/100, f/3.2, ISO 3200, 95mm.
Lighting: Uh… street lights of course!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Critter


This is coach, trainer, IFBB Pro, and overall nice guy Critelli “Critter” Scatolini. He’s been working out since like forever and doesn’t take any artificial growth inducing “supplements” (and I use that term very loosely) to build his physique. He believes in building bulk naturally and, quite frankly, I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Talking to him and realizing that he consistently competes with a whole field of competitors that, in my opinion, have artificially increased muscle mass is very impressive. After all, shouldn’t body building competitions or any type of competition be about skill, talent, and overall natural ability?

So why anybody wouldn’t be impressed by his accomplishments is beyond me. I know I am and I totally respect him for that.

And now the photo geek info:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200 f2.8L IS set at f/6.3, 1/40, ISO 800, 73mm.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 w/VML @ f/6.3 power inside gridded 22" beauty dish camera right. 1 Canon 580EXII with ¼ CTO @ ½ power inside medium softbox behind and to the left of Critter. All triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Priscilla


Last week we overwhelmed you all with one of the most recent events we had the pleasure of photographing.

Since it was indeed a Quince and a Sweet Sixteen celebration, we have now the Sweetest Sixteen you'll ever want to meet. We just felt it was right to let you all take in each of their beautiful faces seperately as I feel together, would just be too overwhelming.

Here is to Priscilla, it was our true pleasure photographing you, your sister and your family.

And now for the photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200 f2.8L IS set at 1/1000, f/2.8, ISO 400, 75mm.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Krystal


I love the tradition of Quinceaneras! It’s an amazing opportunity to capture a single incredible moment in a woman’s life that will never be repeated again. And to be able to capture a Sweet 16 too, that’s the icing on the cake!!! That’s what we had this weekend. Two beautiful women with equally beautiful parents, and an awesome event (complete with butterflies) at a beautiful venue… what more can a photographer ask for? Maybe another one?! Hehe… if only…

While setting up the family portrait, I saw Krystal just sitting there waiting for everything to come together. I thought “What an awesome pose!” so I told her to freeze and took a few. Glad I did! Thanks Krystal!!!

And now for the photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200 f2.8L IS set at 1/640, f/2.8, ISO 1250, 140mm.
Lighting: Au natural.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Jeff & Shey


It's always an honor for us to have the ones we've captured in the past capture their present too! So to Jeff and Shey, it may be a little late but nonetheless Happy Anniversary and congratulations to you both!!!

... and for those who are interested, here's the photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200 f2.8L IS set at 1/160, f/4, ISO 100, 80mm w/Singh Ray Vari-ND filter @ about 3 stops.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 w/VML @ f/8 power inside 22" beauty dish camera left triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Jocie's B&W Sweet 16


This one is strictly for pleasure. We attended an impromptu, but elegantly put together Black and White Sweet 16 shindig for Jocelyn. So this bright, gracious and elegant girl gave us the pleasure of posing for this shot and inviting us to her party. Hopefully us old folks didn't dampen your party Jocie! Stay true blue kiddo! Having a great DJ like Vinnie Boy Entertainment was a HUGE bonus.

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 50mm f1.4 set at 1/60, f/1.4, ISO 6400.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Zepedas


50 years. When you’ve been together for that long you know anything and everything about each other. When people mention you they mention you both. When you go somewhere you’re always together. You no longer think about what each other are thinking, you just know. In mind and in spirit you are one.

Is that scary? To some it may be. But to me, it’s magical. Because once you get there, you know that you’ll forever have each other and you’ll never ever be alone.

Congratulations Senor and Senora Zepeda. You two are indeed forever one.

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 24-105 f4L IS set at 1/125, f/4, ISO 100, 32mm.
Lighting: 1 580EXII @ ¼ power inside medium softbox camera left triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Adulthood


Oh to be young again without a worry. Just around the corner is adulthood and everything that goes along with it. But just remember this:

“Adults are just obsolete children and the hell with them.”
― Dr. Seuss

In other words, if you never grow up you'll never become obsolete. Hehe...

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS set at 1/80, f/2.8, ISO 400, 78mm.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 powered by Vagabond Mini-Lithium @ f/2.8 power with socked 22” beauty dish camera left and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Cece


It's amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe it, another year and another niece graduating! Is this becoming a new theme for me, to get old and watch the world grow up right before my eyes?!? There's gotta be a way to slow it down...

It's seems like only yesterday she was a little girl. Now she's a woman. At least I know that, regardless of all the complications and dangers all around us nowadays, it feels good to know that she's grown up with a refreshingly wonderful and pure amount of sensibilities. Looking back, I don't think I've ever seen her get mad. Not once. Wow!

Well enough of that. Now I need to get back to figuring out a way to slow down time... or find the fountain of youth... whichever's easier. Ugh...

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS set at 1/200, f/2.8, ISO 100, 100mm. Singh Ray Vari ND Filter attached and set @ 3 stops.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 powered by Vagabond Mini-Lithium @ f/6.3 power with socked 22” beauty dish camera right and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs. Sun to the left.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Maria


Maria wanted to get some maternity portraits done but was on doctors' orders not to leave the house. So what did we do? We brought the studio to her! After all, if you can’t bring the client to the studio, why not bring the studio to the client! And believe it or not, this was all done in her kitchen! Hehe…

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 24-105 f/4L set at ISO 200, 45mm, 1/200, f/7.1.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 @ f/7.1 power inside gridded 22” beauty dish boomed above Maria, 1 Bowens GM500 w/medium softbox camera left @ f/7.1, 1 Bowens GM500 w/medium stripbox camera right @ f/4.5. 1 580EXII snooted @ 1/16 power camera left aimed at Maria. All metered with a Sekonic L-358 and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Cristal & Michael


Love has no boundaries. That’s what I learned from these two. Whatever it may be: time, age, differences, difficulties, work, family. Love prevails. And that’s the way it should be!

The photo junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 17-40mm f/4L set at ISO 3200, 40mm, 1/100, f/4.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Family Time


An outtake from last weekends’ portrait session with the Bolus family. They’re checking out their images on the iPad with Veronica on the left. And what’s right behind them? Dodger Stadium and Downtown LA of course!

… and now for the geeky gear stuff:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS set at 1/125, 135mm, f/8, ISO 100. 16Gb Eye-fi Pro card tethered to iPad.
Lighting: 1 Bowens GM500 @ f/8 power inside medium softbox on a lightstand camera left set with Sekonic L358 triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Bethany


Just another beautiful sunset and another beautiful subject. Am I complaining? Are you kidding me!?! I love these Senior portrait sessions!!!

Now for the nerdy camera junk:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS set at 1/160, 70mm, f/2.8, ISO 400
Lighting: 1 580EXII with ½ CTO gel set at 1/16 power inside medium softbox on a monopod held by Veronica camera left and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Jared


Man I love diversity! I truly believe that in order for this world to grow and survive we must continue to embrace diversity. As John F. Kennedy had said, “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.”

What better example of diversity than Jared. He’s a mix of a little bit of Irish, a little bit of Italian, a good heaping dose of Filipino, and then topped off with a smattering of talent and charm. He’s such a good looking kid!

… and now for the nerdy camera info:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 24-105mm f/4L IS set at ISO 800, 65mm, f/4, 1/100
Lighting: 1 580EXII with ½ CTO gel set at 1/16 power gridded on light stand camera right and behind wall pointed at the graffiti. 1 580 EXII and 60” umbrella with ¼ CTO gel set at 1/4 power on light stand camera left. Both triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Mike


We had another awesome portrait session with Mike over this weekend, this time at Griffith Park. What a beautiful weekend it was! And what better way to finish off an awesome portrait session than to use the majestic beauty of Mother Nature herself as the backdrop!

… and now for the nerdy camera info:
Camera and Lens: Canon 5D MkIII with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and Singh Ray Vari-ND filter attached set at ISO 200, 85mm, 1/200, WB-Cloudy
Lighting: 1 580EXII with ½ CTO gel set at ¼ power on light stand camera right pointed at the guitar. 1 580 EXII with full CTO gel set at ½ power held by VAL camera left. Both triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Star Dust


Babies are bits of star-dust blown from the hand of God. Lucky the woman who knows the pangs of birth for she has held a star. ~Larry Barretto

Congratulations you two on your upcoming blessing and thank you both for allowing us to capture this beautiful moment!

... and now for the geeky gear stuff:
Camera and lens: Canon 5D MkIII, with 70-200 f/2.8L IS attached set at 70mm, 1/80 @ f/10, ISO 400
Lighting: 1 Canon 580EXII held by Veronica camera right, gelled with full CTO set at 1/16 power and triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.

Monday, January 7, 2013

She


We started this weekend with our first session of the year photographing Mike Gallegos, an awesome jazz guitarist and composer. WooHoo!!! Pretty interesting too considering that we did this under a bridge and nearly caused 2 accidents in the process (oops). Luckily we got through it all unscathed.

I can’t wait for the next session!!!

Now for the geeky gear porn section:
Camera and lens: Canon 5D MkIII, with 70-200 f/2.8L IS attached set at 110mm, 1/125 @ f/5.6, ISO 400
Lighting: 1st Canon 580EXII camera left, with barn doors and gelled with full CTO set at 1/32 power aimed at the guitar. 2nd Canon 580 EXII camera left snooted and set at 1/32 power aiming at talent. And finally 1 Bowens GM500 powered by Vagabond Mini-Lithium with 60” Photek Softlighter II set at f/5.6 camera right. All triggered by Pocket Wizard PWIIs.