Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Attention SGP Shoppers!


In between polishing up images from recent sessions, I've been working on a fun upgrade to my website -- the shopping cart. Reviewing images and ordering prints is now a breeze thanks to some brand spanking new client proofing. No more writing down image numbers and emailing me off a list of print requests. Instead, clients will be able to complete their entire order online. The new interface allows for reviewing images at different sizes, comparing photographs side by side, saving favorites, and placing orders. Shoppers will also be able to save their selects and resume their session at a later time to complete their order. The new shopping cart can be accessed by clicking on "client proofing" on my website, or right here on the blog.

Of course, nobody likes a wobbly cart, so I'm still fine tuning the wheels to make for a smooth ride, but all recent sessions will soon be loaded into the cart for client review. Each gallery will be locked and password protected, so please be sure to email me for a password if you have not received one after your session delivers.

That's it! Shop 'til you drop!

Tune in soon for images from a new family session, and a slideshow to follow!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Me, Myself, and I


Myspace, Friendster, Facebook. In this age of digital networking, self-image is more prominent than ever. Whereas centuries ago, a select well-to-do folks did it old school by commissioning a master artist to paint an image of their likeness, photography is now king -- film for many years, and now digital, making it easier than ever to capture an image. A quick visit online, especially to any of the before mentioned websites, and the extent to which people enjoy taking images of themselves is evident. Some choose to share these images, others prefer to keep them private... but the premise is the same: what better way to preserve the moment -- to freeze a slice of time and serve it up for later enjoyment -- than with a picture?

Then, go one step further -- why not mimic the route of the old school painters, and commission someone to craft your portrait, someone specialized in photography and committed to delivering that premium image. Seek someone who understands the true you and makes you feel comfortable, as these images can often be personal and private.



Today, a couple of off-screen glimpses from this afternoon's shoot -- combined with an outdoor session from last week, today's indoor studio sitting concludes an exciting collaboration with a client, whom I wish to thank once again for entrusting me with the task of creating a very special collection of self portraits.

You sought something personal, something you could enjoy later down the road in life. When wiser and gray, may these images make you grin with satisfaction from ear to ear :)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Coastess With The Mostess


3,000 miles to the left, and I'm back on the West Coast. Quite a change from the wind whipped shores of New England. Temperatures teased into the '90s this past weekend in Los Angeles, and there was no shortage of beachgoers cooling off in the waves. Here's a peek at the Manhattan Beach Pier about an hour before sundown -- glimpsed at the tail end of an exciting portrait shoot with a most enjoyable client.


We spent a good portion of the day together, snapping images at a few different locations in the South Bay. Although this client would respectfully prefer to remain a mystery -- at least on the blog (grin) -- I'd like to thank her for being so pleasant, spirited, and fun loving. I think we captured some great images, and I'm anxiously looking forward to sending them your way!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

"Seens" From Plum Island, MA


I recently returned from a trip back east, home once again to the Boston area. It was a great time to relax, visit family, and take in the sights of a landscape very different from that of Southern California. Within a week's time, we experienced snow, rain, and a tease of summer sun. That old adage for New England climate proves true: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."


On one of the more milder days, we made a trip over to Plum Island, renowed for its picturesque beaches and prized bird sanctuaries. Bird watching is serious business here, with many of the best beaches closed to the public and partitioned exclusively for feathered friends. Watch towers provide for an elevated view into the vast salt marshes, ideal for bird peeping and photography, while a maze of wooden boardwalks allow the curious to venture out into the wetlands and explore the habitats first hand. Ironically, with the wind blasting at full gale, nary a bird was in sight, save for a few ducks and geese.

Still, the dramatic stormy skies, secluded marshes, whipping sand, and vacant shorelines made for some cool captures.

Enjoy!