photo workshop roadtrip model shoot sushi fest

i'm not sure where to even start with this one. two of my fave friends and wedding photogs MK and Jaime came into town the day after i got back from WPPI for continued workshopping, shooting and some general talk of taking over the world (or at least both coasts). we also ate a heck of alot of sushi.

we started in the desert (of course) and ended in LA with a few model shoots. i had a blast and i was really sad when i dropped them off at the airport today. but, with the modern marvels of planes and the interweb, look for more collaboration and mayhem in the future.

a field of crazy purple flowers that looked soft and fluffy but really were just painful.

the secret lives of flower underbellies at joshua tree

the salton sea needs to be further explored. this place was eerie and super fascinating. there were trailers and burned out homes and businesses next to inhabited residences. the shot below was from a burned out restaurant in bombay beach. the table is semi-set, looking like it's ready for ghost patrons.

abandoned chair out on mud covered salt flats. we almost lost jaime to the muck.

oh-so-rare self portrait inside superburger. they had veggie burgers. i was amazed.

jaime, checking out a cool abandoned trailer.

random shot of Jason Lopez, an actor in LA. we took tons of photos of him (not hard to do my friends) but i think my fave came after we had finished and were just hanging out.

i have hundreds of photos that will probably never see the light of day, but this really was an amazing amazing trip with two amazing ladies. i'm looking forward to more good times and future endeavors together.

in search of flowers

spring has arrived! the roads along the 5 are on fire! i've never seen anything like it. i grabbed a few unsuspecting friends over the past few days (i think i promised one we were headed to a pool downtown) and scoured the land for flower fields. the weather has been crazy wonderful. i'm also always looking for new places to take couples for photos, so i considered it official serious business.

i hit up a few burn areas where the flowers have just taken over. it's pretty amazing to see this vibrant new growth sprouting up from the destruction.

lake hodges is a great place to see the new life sprouting up from the fires.

kevin in flip flops and swim trunks (i'm not sure he'd have come along had i not promised swimming).

friend and fellow awesome photographer Aaron posing among the flowers. i get so excited when i hang out with other photographers who get as giddy as i do over things like trees that most other people think are dorky.

i've found lots of cool new places. im just sad these flowers aren't going to last. that means i'll just have to get out as much as i can this week to continue my work.

Jodie + Manny. E-session at the Presidio.

Meet Jodie and Manny! they're both wonderfully sweet and funny. manny has vans. that always wins points in my book. i had an awesome time with you guys and i'm really looking forward to the big day.. it's coming up May 25th!

i couldn't get enough of these doors

check out that dimple! how adorable (i mean manly and handsome) is that??

jodie has some pretty killer eyes.

and, because all the cool kids are doing it these days, thought i'd play with a little texture. the presidio has such a textury feel to it anyway, seemed appropriate.

Allison + JC - Lowes Coronado Bay Resort

first wedding of 2008!

Allison and JC were married at the marine recruit depot chapel. both were adorably nervous before the ceremony. there's something about a tough marine in uniform weak in the knees over a lovely lady that was incredibly endearing. i caught him wringing his hands behind closed doors at the church. he looked a little like a deer caught in headlights. but when i asked him to tell me the story of how they first met, his face just lit up. they had literally crossed paths on the street and caught each other's eye. he said he knew "i had to go talk to this girl". and so he did. he deployed for Iraq shortly after they started dating. she waited.

so often there isn't enough time set aside for pictures of just the couple, or things run behind and time just runs out. this was a couple after my own heart. they allotted tons of time to run around the fabulous grounds at lowes to find some really great hidden spots and take some fun shots. they were also just so comfortable with each other and being in front of the camera that i mostly just sat back and watched. the way JC looked at her all night made me all melty.

to think these guys normally carry around big guns :)

so so so sweet.

everything was just lovely. it was a beautiful day, the wedding party and guests were wonderful and Lowes Coronado Bay Resort is one heck of a place to throw a party. and thanks to everyone who made it happen so smoothly.

Ceremony: Marine Recruit Depot Chapel
Reception: Lowes Coronado Bay Resort
Wedding Coordinator AND DJ (awesome husband and wife team): The Best Wedding for You
DJ: The Best DJ for You

What a way to kick off 2008! And to Allison and JC, what a way to kick off what will hopefully the best part of the rest of your lives.

Patricia + Jim - Maderas Golf Club 12.29.07

what a way to close out '07. this couple, their friends and the whole wedding was just so much fun! i'm not sure i've experienced a wedding with so much laughter. this truly was a celebration. if there were nerves, i didn't sense them once. everyone was there to kick back, have a great time and celebrate this super special couple. jim and patricia love to laugh, and this day was an obvious extension of their personalities. and what a lovely place and day to do it.

Location: Maderas Golf Club
Catering: Maderas (and thanks to Susan Khania for the lovely veggies and her day-of coordinating)
Wedding Coordinator: the whole family (and special shout-out to the best man for keeping this puppy on track- huge help!)
Cake: (need to find her card! coming soon)
DJ: Kris with Positive Energy Productions

they arranged a first-sight meeting out on the course. they were so excited. one of my favorite quotes from patricia "tell me if i smile too big!" are you kidding?? she has one of the greatest smiles and she was very liberal with it.

they did this alot. i loved it.

a little private time before the action

maderas is really scenic. it was gorgeous. and the music was provided by friends- really cool and personal.

not hard to see where patricia got her smile. look at her happy dad!

did i mention that they laugh alot? so my favorite quote was delivered by the officiant. apparently our couple got a little slap happy the night before and came up with some funny vows and forwarded them on. they weren't supposed to be used. but, the officiant decided to keep them. when asked to repeat "I promise to make the bed because i get up later than you" came out, I thought patricia was going to laugh herself off the side of the ceremony site. it was hillarious.

told you they did this alot :)

a little mood-lighting experiment under the lamp post

one more example of their sense of humor. every plate came equipped with star viewers. even flat guest got one.

i think i also see where she got her sweetness from

Patricia and Jim, thanks so much for having me be part of your day! have a great time on your honeymoon. i have no doubt the laughter will ever run out between you two.