The Blog

Lance, Michael, Lilly, Chip and Dale

     I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful family that just increased by 2 with the addition of two little ones named Chip and Dale .  Dads, Lance and Michael, are animal activists and do so much to help animals in need.  They were so wonderful and told me the story of how they were just fostering these two little ones until they found homes for them.  Well, after housing these two pups for just a couple of weeks, it was clear, Chip and Dale weren't going anywhere!   While Chip and Dale warmed up to me right away, it was harder to gain the trust of Lilly, their older protective sister always staying "nearby" to watch over things, but not giving me the full "you're ok" :) .  I think all 3 dogs (and their dads) shined in their photoshoots.

If you'd like to adopt a dog, foster one, or simply donate, you can go to Vanderpump Dogs www.vanderpumpdogs.org

To see more of Chip and Dale, you can follow them at www.instagram.com/chipanddalepups

To see Michael's artwork you can go to michaelturchinart.com

Follow Lance at www.instagram.com/lancebass/

 

Paige and David Sneak Peek

I also had the pleasure of shooting Paige and David's wedding this weekend at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.  What a beautiful venue and couple.  This was one of the rare times that I hadn't met the groom prior to the wedding day.  Well, within 3 seconds of meeting David in his room getting ready, I instantly felt like I had known him for a long time.  And having all his buddies there from L.A., we quickly bonded of our hometown sports teams.  This was a FUN wedding. . . I don't think I've seen guests this energetic in a long time.   Got this one shot at the end of the night on a sky bridge that connected the two buildings of the hotel.  I went down onto the promenade and hoped for some magic. . . I didn't have to hope too much with this couple!  Congratulations Paige and David!  #fairmonthotelsanjose #wedding #bridge #love #cranes

Christine + Ty Wedding

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
— Muriel Rukeyser

From the Claremont Hotel to the top of the Berkeley Hills at the Lawrence Hall of Science, Christine and Ty have started their story together. 

The scientist couple chose this unique venue to get married to represent who they are. Friends, family and guests all had an amazing time and incredible views.  

Here are a few from the evening. . .

Milly and Jeff

I had worked with Milly on a previous wedding as she was the event planner.  She was dedicated, sharp, and funny.  I hoped that I would get the chance to work with her again.  And then, one day, I got an email from her about my availability for another wedding.  I took that as a compliment because when a wedding planner/coordinator likes you, that's says volumes about you as a vendor.   She liked my work, she liked me as a person, she thought I delivered to my clients. . . all those great things.  We went back and forth a few times, and then , in her last email, she wrote : "oh yeah, by the way. . . it's for MY wedding".  I was floored.  Out of all the photographers she deals with from all of the events she puts on, she thought of me.  

Well, getting to shoot Milly (and Jeff's :) )   wedding gave me the opportunity to get to know Milly even better.  What a wonderful person.  And this was my first time meeting Jeff. . . again, incredible guy.  There are, unfortunately, wedding I've shot that I wonder why the two people are going through with this.  Milly and Jeff are NOT one of those couples.  They play off each other, are intensely in love with each other, and have so much fun together.  It was such a pleasure to watch unfold. 

Here are a few images from their wedding that I hope captured all that makes them so perfect for one another.


Day in the Life

I'm not good at self promotion. . . .

so I thought I'd let someone else do it. . .

“Michael,

I just can’t get enough! Every time I look, I discover new images I hadn’t noticed before.

Thank you so much, again, for this timeless gift of a fleeting moment in time. These are absolutely the days we’ll forget. Ordinary, regular routines - daily habits, expressions, interactions, activities - just the average day. It’s like freeze framing my favorite time in life - the now. It pains me to think of how fast time passes. Having this collection of photographs is a clear reminder of how blessed we are - it’s almost an out-of-body-experience every time I open it. I’m never given the chance to watch my day unfold. Page by page, I get to experience a day in our life. I love seeing the kids at school behind the scenes - talking to their friends, concentrating on a task, playing at recess. These moments are imagined, until now. It is a treasure and will be rediscovered often.

Your gift of time, talent and treasure is beyond appreciated. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience your work. You are so professional - from our first telephone conversations last May, to your understanding, flexibility and accommodations in switching the dates around for our numerous “not so ordinary” conflicts.

I will promote your business, as I’ve been doing, with 100% conviction and pride in your service. I do pray that this business takes off for you.

You have a gift to share; people need to experience your remarkable talent.

I’m passing the link on to friends and family! Can’t wait to share:)

Thanks again, from the bottom of our hearts!!”

Mariah and Clay

I will never be able to appropriately describe Mariah and Clay.  I used to work with Mariah years ago, and although I've seen her on the periphery via Facebook, we haven't connected in quite a number of years.  Well, a lot has changed. . . she's married, has a house, and now expecting her first baby in a few months.  So when she got in touch with me to take maternity photos, I jumped at the chance ( ...said in my best dad voice : and I could check out this "guy" she was married to).  Well this "guy" was equally as wonderful, funny, well spoken and super fun to be around.  There are not two people more suited for each other.  Their humor and fun loving nature made it a dream to shoot. . . . not taking everything so seriously, and just "going with it".  I've said it before, that a photographer is only as good as what they get from their subjects. . . and they gave me LOTS.   I can't wait to meet the little man when he arrives (and take some "outside" photos of him :) ).  (oh yeah, and their dog 'Moose' joined in for some of the fun.)