Transformation

As we began she nervously laughed. The presence of my camera and lighting equipment only made the intimidation factor worse. I reassured her that this is going to be a relaxing, and most importantly a fun experience, but she wasn't convinced. Within the first few shots I saw a transformation began. Insecurities arise when subjecting yourself to the unkind documentation a photograph can bring... but all this changed the moment I showed her the back of my camera and a shot that would make any man swoon.

We continued to move down the street and visit one abandoned building after another, each still alive with brightly painted doors and well traveled sidewalks. As we laughed and joked through each frame, it reminded me of what my real goal as a photographer is... to bring out the beauty in every one I photograph, even if it's obvious to everyone in the world except that person.

By the end of the session I was not photographing just anyone. I was photographing Clare, the fierce and fabulous super model that commanded attention. Whose deep green eyes and stunning smile could warm even the coldest heart!

You have left me inspired, and I hope you are inspired too!!

Utterly Engaged

This is a must read for anyone planning (or looking forward to planning) their wedding. Utterly Engaged is an online wedding magazine dedicated to finding creative alternatives for modern brides.

This issues theme is all about eco-weddings, and is jam packed with great environmentally friendly ideas.

Utterly Engaged is not only full of great suggestions for do-it-yourself brides but they feature a lot of vendors in Southern California. I love the budget breakdown for the wedding featured in each issue! You can read the whole issue here, as well as their premiere issue!

Maggie: Summer Portraits

I've been wanting to play around with some fun and summery props for a few weeks now, and Maggie couldn't have been a better model for this fun portrait session! She was a complete doll, and didn't complain once as I had her hiking up hills in sandals and taming unruly balloons. Thanks for being you, and staying open to my ideas!

I had so many favorites from this session, and it was hard to only pick a few, Enjoy!

OC Mud Run

Okay, I have been excited for this event for months! Although I wanted to compete, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph this fun and mud filled 5k/10k race! Starting at 8:30 am the first group of racers made their way through the Tour de Mud surrounding the Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine.

The CrossFit Irvine gang was out in full force as well as some blue faced friends, making the race hilarious to photograph and watch!

Check out a few photographs from this morning, and head on over to the OC Mud Run site for more information. See you there next year (without my camera, and ready to get muddy)!

Portraits: Justin

Justin is one of those amazingly fun guys who is always laughing! His laughter is contagious and I can't help but smile while editing his shoot. I was fortunate enough to photograph Justin and his girlfriend Dana back to back, allowing the cute couple to bring out the biggest and best expressions from one another. Check out a few of my favorites, and thanks for the great session!

Portraits: Dana

Sometimes the simplest things turn into something wonderful... That's how I feel about my latest session. A plain background, great lighting, and Dana who is clearly stunning, equals a great head shot! I had such a good time photographing, it felt more like a long conversation over coffee then a photo shoot!

I think the results speak for themselves, and I hope these photographs bring Dana closer to her goals.

The Ring Shot

Diamond Ring + Wedding = The Ring Shot!

One of my favorite photographs to take during a wedding is the ring shot, there is just some magical quality to these types of photographs... I can't get enough of them! Take a look some of my recent favorites.

UPDATE:

After delaying for far to long, I'm happy to announce that I finally have a testimonial section on my website (under information tab, then click kudos)! Head on over to my site to see the addition, and thanks again for all the kind words!