Cup of Joe Photo

Vegas Party Pics

Yes! This is what I'm talking about. Jerome Braga sent me this shot of us hanging out with the very fashionable Carrillo in 2005. Please keep the photos coming in.

Vegas Photos Please

I'm putting together a little scrapbook of Vegas outfits I've worn at WPPI over the past 8 years. I don't have many pictures of me with friends and I need your help. If any of you have photos of me in my rock star clothes, would you email them to me joe@joephoto.com (4x6 at 300dpi) as soon as possible. I plan to post some of of my favs. If you have any from Becker's parties, I'm specifically looking for shots in the gold and black pants 4 years ago or wild Studio 54 shots! My buddy Alan Karlin just sent me the shot below. Thank you Alan!!

I look forward to seeing what the rest of you come up with!

I'll send a few of you my Show & Tell 2 DVD for the most fashionable images.

Details Details Grand Opening Party

Yesterday, the lovely ladies of Details Details threw an amazing Grand Opening Party for their brand new offices in Irvine Ca. They specialize in designing and coordinating extraordinary weddings and special events. Music for the evening was being spun by the very famous Peter (Pop)Papadopoulos of Vive Entertainment

One of the benefits of arriving toward the end of a party and staying late is being sent home with some of the incredible goodies that remained. Would you look at the huge box of pastries and candied apples the girls sent me home with. SWEET! My girls at home were totally stoked:) Thanks, Jeannie and congratulations on pursuing your dreams and making the dreams of others come true:)

U2 3D

OH MY! I'm skipping a book this week in favor of an absolutely insane creative project recommendation. U2 3D. We in So Cal are blessed to have an IMAX theater at The Irvine Spectrum, which is about 20 minutes from my home. On Friday night, I went to check out what all the buzz was about and my mind was blown. Technology has triumphed again! This movie is exactly the way I like to experience a concert. Up close and personal. You really can't get any more close than this, and the 3D experience is so perfect, it's literally like being in the crowd, and then in the air, and then over the drums, around the Edge and in Bono's face. Go see it this week. Run, don't walk!

Bare feet

My wife, Ingrid, comes home today from a spiritual retreat in New Mexico. While talking with her briefly yesterday, we discussed the idea of Holy Ground and our perception of what makes it Holy. Then, I found this piece online last night that introduced a beautiful new paradigm to my awareness.

Approaching

Our first response in approaching
another people,
another culture,
another religion,
is to take off our shoes
for the place we are approaching is holy.

Else we may find ourselves treading on another's dream.

More serious still,
we may forget...
that God was here
before our arrival.

We have, at our church, a lovely worship leader who never wears shoes while she sings. Months went by before I asked her why she chose to remain bare foot. After all, I really like shoes and I thought it weird that she never wore them. She explained that once, before a vocal performance in a Night Club, she was going to be singing Gospel songs. She began to feel "out of place" and then God spoke to her backstage and told her to remove her shoes, that she was on Holy Ground. She has rarely worn shoes since. I find it both wonderful and comforting that God claims a bar as a Holy place. I wonder where else we might find Holy ground. I imagine, it's all around.

Variety is Spicy

Speaking of Spicy, check out these two from my new Best of 2007 Gallery:)

Till death do us part

These words are common vows for brides and grooms. But could they also pertain to brides, grooms and their wedding photographer? Interesting question. How well did you like your wedding photographer? It seems as though I have the good fortune of becoming friends with a special couple or two each year. In 2006 I shot Mark and Lisa's wedding where I also meet their friends Derek and Heather, whom I shot in Napa in 2007. Mark's brother Chad, was also at both events. When Heather and Derek came to town last weekend, we got together for lunch, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and good times:) I suppose I'll be friends with these clients beyond old... still having good times:)

Tweaking 300

I've finally narrowed down my favorite 300 shots of 2007. You've seen many of them on the blog over the past year, but I picked a bunch you haven't seen yet too. I began tweaking some of them and I'll finish over the weekend. I thought I'd share one I really like. Cheers!

Shoot, Don't Look

Sometimes, when the mood strikes, I play a little game. Shoot without looking. Get a sense for the shot without the viewfinder. Use your intuition and create the opportunity to "capture by chance". The other day while I was walking around scouting locations, I saw the sun coming through a tree and I reached out and shot it. I dig taking a chance. Once in a while, you capture something cool. It really helps develop and sharpen your skills.

Stumbling on Happiness

This weeks highly recommended book comes one day behind it's usual Monday slot, but I just finished listening to it yesterday. It is well worth the read/listen and I wish I'd read/listened to it years ago. I'm really into how the brain works and why we do what we do with our lives. This is a book that is entertaining as well as informative about our thought processes and surprising research on our memories and choices. If you're fascinated by these topics, Stumbling on Happiness is the best book I've found.

Several years ago, on a flight from New York to California, I had the good fortune to sit next to a psychologist named Dan Gilbert. He had a shiny bald head, an irrepressible good humor, and we talked (or, more accurately, he talked) from at least the Hudson to the Rockies--and I was completely charmed. He had the wonderful quality many academics have--which is that he was interested in the kinds of questions that all of us care about but never have the time or opportunity to explore. He had also had a quality that is rare among academics. He had the ability to translate his work for people who were outside his world.
Now Gilbert has written a book about his psychological research. It is called Stumbling on Happiness, and reading it reminded me of that plane ride long ago. It is a delight to read. Gilbert is charming and funny and has a rare gift for making very complicated ideas come alive.

Stumbling on Happiness is a book about a very simple but powerful idea. What distinguishes us as human beings from other animals is our ability to predict the future--or rather, our interest in predicting the future. We spend a great deal of our waking life imagining what it would be like to be this way or that way, or to do this or that, or taste or buy or experience some state or feeling or thing. We do that for good reasons: it is what allows us to shape our life. And it is by trying to exert some control over our futures that we attempt to be happy. But by any objective measure, we are really bad at that predictive function. We're terrible at knowing how we will feel a day or a month or year from now, and even worse at knowing what will and will not bring us that cherished happiness. Gilbert sets out to figure what that's so: why we are so terrible at something that would seem to be so extraordinarily important?

In making his case, Gilbert walks us through a series of fascinating--and in some ways troubling--facts about the way our minds work. In particular, Gilbert is interested in delineating the shortcomings of imagination. We're far too accepting of the conclusions of our imaginations. Our imaginations aren't particularly imaginative. Our imaginations are really bad at telling us how we will think when the future finally comes. And our personal experiences aren't nearly as good at correcting these errors as we might think.

I suppose that I really should go on at this point, and talk in more detail about what Gilbert means by that--and how his argument unfolds. But I feel like that might ruin the experience of reading Stumbling on Happiness. This is a psychological detective story about one of the great mysteries of our lives. If you have even the slightest curiosity about the human condition, you ought to read it. Trust me. --Malcolm Gladwell

Bridal Show follow up

Yesterday, I had a great time at The South Asia Bridal Expo. I had a perfect corner spot next to the stage for the fashion show. Believe me, if you've ever done a bridal show you know that it's a lot of work to get everything together. I think I made a strong impression. The Long Beach Convention Center was a great location, and I got to hang out with some great vendors and meet new brides and grooms from all over the globe.

Man of Value

Happy Sunday! May your day be filled with Value. I'll be in Long Beach today. Come by and see me:)

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein

South Asian Wedding Expo

If you're in the Southern California area tomorrow and would like to come by and see me, I'll be in Long Beach for The South Asian Wedding Expo. This is the only Bridal Show I do! I'm looking forward to serving more of the South Asian community with Extraordinary images this year!

Madtv - Apple I-rack

My buddy Joe Barnet sent this my way yesterday. The humor was good and it made me laugh, and feel bummed at the same time. There is no exit in sight.... how true.

For the breakdown on MacWorld 2008, check out this summary.

Before and after wall

While I began shooting at this super cool temporary wall, I had a vision of the couple without the sidewalk or construction in the background. After tweaking the original, I had my completed vision. I like the before shot and it would be fine, but I like the after shot better. It seems more idealistic and clean to me. That appeals to my style. There is no right answer to which is better. It's just which shot you prefer.

Sarah and Tucker Engagement Session

Monday night was so fun. I photographed a really cool couple in San Diego. It felt good to be shooting again in the New Year. After we were done shooting, we enjoyed some good wine and had an excellent dinner overlooking the Pacific. Enjoy.

New Studio Samples

This week I'll be getting 3 new 40x60 wall portraits for the studio. Yippee! I'm so excited to have new images for my clients to see. This image will be the first shot clients see as the come through my front door:) Bam! 40x60. Then 2 more as they come up my stairs before I even say Hello. Now that's making a strong first impression:)

Nooma

Today, I am stoked to let you know about this series of DVDs called Nooma. I saw two of them on Friday night when we had a few friends over and they blew my mind. They are powerful, down-to-earth, thought provoking talks, aimed at helping you consider deeper meaning and purpose for your life. The host, Rob Bell, and an incredibly talented film crew created 18 of these dvds. Each are about 12 - 15 minutes long and come with notes and discussion questions. The packaging is SWEET too. Like I said, I'm stoked on his idea of sharing faith and substance. If your not into "spirituality", this may be a great introduction. You can preview each episode on their website. I'd really love to know what you think about this idea. Thumbs up or thumbs down. Hey, Happy Monday.

My #1 fan's 10th birthday

Kids love to have fun. They don't hold the weight of heavy responsibility, at least where I live. My neighbor Julia just turned 10 and had a party at the beach. It was cold, dark and foggy, but the kids didn't care. Mikayla and I went to hang out. Julia's dad made a huge bonfire and the kids made s'mores. Kids know how to have fun.

How about you? When is the last time you really had fun? If it's been longer than a day, it's time to be a child again. Remember the joys before responsibility. Breathe it in and have a lovely day!

It is the childlike mind that finds the kingdom. Charles Fillmore

You can be childlike without being childish. Christopher Meloni

Great is the man who has not lost his childlike heart. Mencius

Goals Saturday #2

I'm curious how everyone else is doing with their goals for the new year.

It's two weeks into January and I wonder how many people are already struggling with guilt and discouragement. I'm posting late today because I wanted to get my 4th exercise in for the week this morning to meet my goal. I had every intention of going to the gym yesterday, but I got behind on a couple projects at the office, then I had an issue with my alarm at the studio that needed to be reprogrammed, then it just got to late before I had a 3 pm appointment. Oh well. That is how life goes sometimes. I've found that being flexible with yourself and others really reduces the amount of stress in one's life. Just a thought.

This week I achieved the goals I set once again. It feels good to be successful. Unbelievably, I've really enjoyed living in the moment and cherishing each little blessing. I've gained new power over distractions and I'm journaling about procrastination and it's effects on those around me. Weird, is this journey of self awareness.

Though I met the 3 goals I set for myself this past week, I've failed on others. Christmas cards did not, and will not, be going out to family and friends. If I saw you around Christmas, you got one. Most of you didn't. Forgive me. OK, so now I'm letting go of the guilt and moving on. 2nd, I didn't even start the goals PDF I wanted to share with you all, to help you focus on your dreams. It's a big project and I just have not made it a priority. I've overcommitted again. Dang it.

So while I excelled in a few things, others flopped. I learned from both. I hope you had an empowering week toward your goals. Blessings on your journey.

Joe Photoshop

I got an email yesterday from a groom I photographed last year. He attached two photos he took of this boat shop and the following request;

I love your editing style and I had a quick favor to ask. I attached a couple of photos I shot while on a business trip in Connecticut and New York, and for some reason I really love this shot and would like to blow it up and print it for a wall hanger. It’s straight out of the camera and I don’t have photoshop on my computer let alone any experience with it, and was wondering if you could pick your favorite of the two and throw a little “Joe-PhotoShop” at it real quick. Perhaps a little contrast, maybe a little texture? Whatever you like! I would be totally stoked! I check out your blog every now and again and it sounds like you’ve been up to some really killer things! The Rimrock Ranch stuff looks awesome!

How cool is that. I have awesome clients that I really cherish and they encourage me to use my gifts. Here's what I did for him. Have a great weekend!

This is the original shot.

St Regis

I was collecting images for the St Regis yesterday and came across this image I shot a few years ago on their beautiful staircase. I call it "Stairway to Heaven". I know, it's an obvious title, but I dig the shot. Just thought I'd share it with you:)

Screenis Envy

No Way! I want one:)

Ocean Beach with John Mireles

My partner for Rimrock Workshops showed me around his favorite town last night for fish tacos and beers. I was stoked to see that their Happy Hour selection included Irish Car Bombs! I'm adding to my collection of memorable occasions with the frosty beverage. It's approaching cult status. John was a virgin, so I had to break him in. (wait, that sounds sooo wrong). What I meant to say is that he'd never enjoyed a car bomb. Then we ate a bunch of fried fish, drank more beers and watched the sunset. Of course we talked about manly stuff too and the cool things we're going to teach at our next workshop. Officially then it was a "business dinner". I love my job! Cheers.

Working The Room

As I continue to work on my public speaking skills, this book was recommended. Nick is the coach for engaging your audience. This book can be applied to any inter-personal communications. He recommends that you listen to those whom you are addressing. It's a bi-directional practice. If you decide you want to improve this area of your life, here's your book. Go get it.

Book Description Do you remember the topic of the last speech you heard? If not, you're not alone. In fact, studies show that audiences remember only 10 to 30 percent of speech or presentation content. Given those bleak statistics, why do we give speeches at all?

We give them, says communications expert Nick Morgan, because they remain the most powerful way of connecting with audiences since ancient Greek times. But as we've evolved to a more conversational mode of public speaking, thanks to television, we have forgotten much of what the Greeks taught us about the nonverbal aspects of speech-giving: the physical connection with audiences that can create an almost palpable emotional bond.

Morgan says this "kinesthetic connection" comes from truly listening to your audience-not just with your brain but with your body. In this book, he draws from more than twenty years as a speech coach and consultant, combining the best of ancient Greek oratory with modern communications research to offer a new, audience-centered approach to public speaking.

Through entertaining and insightful examples, Morgan illustrates a three-part process-focusing on content development, rehearsal, and delivery-that will enable readers of all experience levels to give more effective, passion-filled speeches that move audiences to action.

Thank God for Mentors

I'm indebted to many wise teachers. Men and women who have shaped my character and directed my life. Consider the leaders who have impacted your life and challenge yourself to inspire others. Check out TED for examples of people doing extraordinary things to better our planet.

" Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow." Vince Lombardi

Goals Saturday

I've added a new category to the blog - Goals. I'd like to make Saturdays "Goals Check" day. This will help me keep on track by publicly tracking my 2008 progress and hopefully encourage you on your journey too. Week one for 2008 has me rethinking my goals a bit. I plan to expand mine over the weekend. I found it easy to meet my 4 times of exercise. Being generous as well as living peacefully worked out well too. The challenge is though, how do you track peaceful living? It's pretty abstract. It's more of a feeling. I'm going to focus my goals and make them more tangible.

Also, I'll add "coming attractions" on Saturday as a glimpse into the week ahead. It's been difficult to post in the evenings for the next day. The great feature of TypePad is that I can preset the time and date to post. I have much more energy to type my thoughts in the morning, so I'll be grouping some of my posts together earlier in the week. and spreading them out daily.

This week's Coming Attraction will focus on goals and priorities. Stay Tuned.

Happy Birthday Lisa

Today is my sister's birthday. She's a year younger than me and she's responsible for teaching me how to tie my shoes when I was five. Thank you. We had a lot of fun together growing up, and we were always close. She's also responsible for coining the title "Uncle Photo". As any of you who come here regularly know, I love being an Uncle and God Father to her kids. Happy Birthday Sis:)

Here's Lisa and Steven from Christmas 2007

Washed Up Joe Photo

New Stuff for 08

I've learned not to go crazy with resolutions for a new year so I've narrowed mine down to 3. I can do three. First, be more generous in 2008. Second, exercise 4 days a week. Third, practice peaceful living. What is happening to me? It's time for change. I've resolved to make changes to satisfy my soul in 2008. Less stress, more contentment. Yeah, how fun. I hope that your resolutions work toward making you the person you want to be.

I'm also making some needed updates to the blog. I'll be implementing them this week. Stay tuned:)

New photos, new cup, & timeless inspiration:) Be great in 2008.

Happy New Year 2008

May your 2008 be filled with PEACE and JOY!