Snow!

Being from the Bay Area, snow is not something I encounter on a day-to-day basis in the winter. I'm lucky if I make it to Lake Tahoe once a year to see the snow.

This year, we took our son for Boy Meets Snow.  It was absolutely thrilling.  I think my favorite part of being a parent is getting to see someone experience things for the first time, hence, the importance behind my "Boy Meets" album.

What I wasn't prepared for was the challenge of photographing in the snow.  I actually thought my camera was malfunctioning due to the cold, but it turns out I had left it on a 2 second delay from my night photography the previous evening.  Doh!

Here's what I came up with. With my minimal snow experience, I am pleased with the outcome.

Watch out for sharks!

My parents are fortunate enough to have a tournament size billiards table in their home and let me tell you, the kids LOVE it! I mean, what child can resist balls and sticks, right?

My little boy is no exception.  He loves his time in the pool room with his Papa.  I snuck into the pool room with my son a few days ago and snapped these photos.










Luckily, my Dad isn't the "internet type", so there's no chance this will ruin his birthday surprise.  I'm going to have one or two of these printed and framed for him to display proudly every time his friends come over.

Love pool or hate it, these sure do warm my heart.

Rant Alert: Giving My Art as a Gift

Recently I gave someone one of my photos as a gift. 

I love the photo.  

It is my most favorite photo that I have taken to date, so I decided it needed special treatment.

I had it printed by a professional-grade shop on special metallic paper, in a large, custom panoramic size, and had a mat custom cut for a nice frame.  When I presented the photo to it's recipient, I received a rather lackluster response.

I suppose it goes without saying that it hurt my feelings.  I had worked hard and put my heart into loving and nurturing that photo every step of the process, from capture, to post processing, to printing, to framing.  I put hours into that one photograph.

I guess I should not expect everyone to appreciate photographs as much as I do. I do my best not to be resentful of the recipient because to them it's just another photo. I just don't have the heart to tell them everything that went into creating "just a photo" for them and the way I felt when it wasn't received as I anticipated.

To me, it was so much more special than I could communicate.

I've decided to have a print made for my own home, where it will be displayed prominently for all to enjoy.  

Thanks for taking the time to share my little hurt.  Be mindful next time someone gives you something they made, whether it be a photo, a painting, or a matching crocheted hat & scarf. Even if it's not your color, they went out of their way to make it for you.  Smile and be grateful, it will go a long, long way.

Excitement is brewing...

Today over on Facebook, I'm going to launch my first contest for a free session. I am so pumped about working for people and sharing images that they'll cherish for a lifetime. Come on over to my facebook page and enter your photo. Rules will be posted there as well.

In other news, I have had my DSLR for a little over 6 months now, and I have come a LONG way. I see lots and lots of improvement all the time, and it's exciting.

What's also exciting is that Jared Polin from FroKnowsPhoto.com is coming to San Francisco this weekend. He will be at Union Square at 4pm and I couldn't be more thrilled to meet him.

It's because of his desire to spread the love of photography and improve the images of amateurs around the world that I have found my true hobby. I can't wait to shake his hand and tell him just that.

Be Merry, Friends.

Be holly.

Be jolly.

Be merry.


Please take a moment this season to think of the families who are incomplete this season. Be a little more grateful for those gathered around your tree than what's under it.

Be warm.

Be caring.

Be generous.


Take time to really hug everyone crossing the threshold of your home. Welcome them with genuine hospitality and grace.

Be grateful.

Be humble.

Be sentimental.


Remember that the intention of the Holiday season is to reflect on the year we have had, to celebrate the Holiday (whichever you choose) and remind us of what's important. It's not the gifts, friends. It's the smiles.

Be cheerful.

Be festive.

Be bright.

Practice Session: Studio Portraits

I attended a portrait photography workshop last weekend and I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to experiment further with strobe lighting. It's exciting because you can't tell what an image is going to look like until you press the shutter and the lights all flash in sync and BOOM! A photograph is born.


Caitlin was a great model for us. She was a true professional and very patient while we learned how to properly use the lights.









I might be asking Santa for some lights this year :)

90 Days

I don't know how, but I've made it 3 months without losing interest.  I have a tendency to get really excited about something and then fall off the wagon, so to speak.

This also makes more than 6 months total since I got my DSLR.  I have always had a hard time with work/life balance and having a hobby that was just for me.

I think I've found my "thing".

At the risk of sounding far more philosophical than I actually am, I have to say my heart has found it's happy place in preserving the moments and things that make this life special.


Boy Meets Ocean


I attended a workshop on touring our National and State Parks a few months back, and I think it's high time I start putting that information to good use.  Now that I've passed my "probation period",  I think I feel a road trip coming on...