The Birthday of G & L

The event that was almost not to be. At least for me.

G&L's birthday fell on Labor Day weekend, and when the inquiry came in, the calendar was already brimming with other obligations and another shoot. I immediately started putting out feelers to other photographers, but was really bummed at having to decline a celebration I've shot two years in a row. The party is always festive, full of kids willing to embrace the camera, and the family consistently delivers an admirable level of creativity in these events. Most importantly, I really wanted to see the visual continuity we've established live on. And so, after juggling the schedule, I was able to attend. Yahoo!





G&L have always been agreeable to having a photographer present, but this year I noticed a marked change. There was less of me chasing them, and more of them chasing me. A trust had been established, a trust that's earned only with time, and with it, the most authentic of photographic moments. Broader smiles. Generous laughs. Unguarded emotions.







A private nook at Cerritos Heritage Park played host for 2011's birthday. Gone was the Kung Fu Panda and Thomas The Train from years past. Pirate Jack Sparrow and Angry Birds were this year's superstars. Definitely a wining combo, and the theme was a hit!

Thanks again to G&L and family. As always, a treat!

Sonal & Sanket Baby Shower

Photographers always welcome referrals. A referral is often someone who has seen your work elsewhere at the urging of one of their friends or family and are coming to you on the graces of their good word and the quality of your work. Referrals frequently form sustainable networks -- connected pockets of friends and family, and these working relationships can really thrive with that extra vote of confidence. Not to mention, with the heaps of wonderfully talented photographers out there to pick from, meeting referrals can be a great way to narrow down the overwhelming options.



Sonal and Sanket have attended several events I've photographed in the past, and invited me to capture their baby shower at the Diamond Palace Cusine-India. It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces, the added bonus of everyone being really comfortable by now with me -- and my camera. Though the objective of the afternoon was more about documenting genuine moments rather than posing, I did manage to sneak in a few end-of-session portraits.

I really love working with this extended family! The parties are lively, with plenty of games and color. And let's not forget the food. I think I enjoy the grub as much as some of the guests enjoy seeing just how adventurous a Caucasian like me will be with sampling the spicy cuisine. But I never fail to gobble it all up!

Thanks again, Sonal and Sanket.