It Takes Two.... Slideshows!

Before I assemble a slideshow, I usually ask the client what kind of music they like (or don't like), rather than having them submit a specific song, because it's always fun to surprise them.

This time, though, I wanted to try something different. With nine photographic subjects, that meant nine different personalities -- a lot of range for musical taste! So, I asked Marlina and her cousins to submit several song choices, and among those I would pick one, preserving some element of surprise. But then, I also thought it would be fun to create a second slideshow using a song not included in their selections, something completely different and in contrast to the mood of the first show. It's interesting how a simple change in music can spin images in completely different directions.

Thanks again Marlina, Aimee, Tatiana, Jiji, Ginger, Nina, Melissa, Monique, and Tina. I won't soon forget this shoot, or your smiles. I hope you all enjoy the shows!

Show One: Click the image to view:

Show Two: Click the image to view:

Just Around The Corner

With November already coming to a quick close, it's time to put away the turkey and hint at what's coming up in December. I know Jean Claire has excitedly been awaiting a sneak peek at her photos from her recent session, so I wanted to post at least one image until the rest are ready to hit the blog. We had a fantastic time shooting pictures with her mom and newborn brother at the playground and park, and I can't wait to share the rest with everyone.


Also, at the end of this weekend, tune in to see the slideshow from the amazing "San Diego 9". I really want to thank these special nine young ladies for all of the wonderful compliments they've sent my way, and for encouraging their family and friends to visit my website. It means a lot to me, and I've been putting together an extra special slideshow to show my appreciation. So, stay tuned!

9 Lives

Imagine this familiar scenario: you're having a special get together with friends, a night on the town, or maybe a birthday bash. The time comes to take a group picture. This usually means one person skipping out on the photograph to snap the shot, or entrusting your camera to a stranger to capture the image. You might even program the camera's timer, make a mad dash into frame, and hope for the best. But remember, this is a special occasion. Once in a lifetime perhaps. You're dressed to the nines, looking sharp, and among cherished company. Shouldn't your photographs be equally special?

Marlina had this exact idea in mind when planning a long-overdue reunion with her second cousins: Melissa, Jiji, Tina, Aimee, Monique, Tatiana, Nina, and Ginger. Among them, they share four grandmothers who are sisters, and these beloved family matriarchs -- through constant nurturing and love -- blessed these nine young women with a sense of sisterhood all their own. As teenagers, Marlina and her cousins would gather for parties and holidays, but one or two of the girls would always be absent -- always falling short of that special magic that happens when family comes together as a whole. Separated across the miles and by obligations, this would be the first time the nine of them would reunite as adults.


San Diego was the destination, many flying into town. The girls treated themselves to new dresses, professional make-up and hair styling, and I was the photographer entrusted to commit the day to film. Smoke from the recent forest fires and the prospect of rain threatened to damper our event, but the overcast sun was ideal for photography, and the haze made for some wild heavenly skies. It was a time to celebrate -- Melissa was recently engaged, and Marlina surprised her by gifting everyone a giant candy diamond ring. It was also a time for remembrance -- honoring the passing of their youngest grandmother, Pat, her memory reminding them of the importance of family and keeping in touch.

I could not have asked for a more enjoyable shoot, nor a better group to spend the afternoon with. Truly, this was a blast! Everyone looked like stars, and their commitment to life-long friendship is inspiring. Who knows when the next reunion will be. Life is busy, life is fast. One thing is certain -- no matter the distance between them, this special nine will always be reunited everyday in pictures, forever.

Enjoy, everyone! Tune in after Thanksgiving to see many more pictures in the slideshow.

Think Inside the Box(es)

I wanted to share a "teaser" image from a recent session -- to hint of what's to come, without giving too much away. Gian saw this curious little photograph and asked, "What's inside the boxes?" Well, great question... but I'm not telling...


... yet! Come back soon and find out!