Cup of Joe Photo

Burning Man

I'm so excited! I'm on my way out to photograph the most interesting people at the coolest gathering on the planet. Actually, this is my first time going so I'll have to let you know if it is indeed "the coolest gathering on the planet." I suspect it will be.

I'll be posting at least a few pictures when I get back. Until then, I will not be posting because I'll be taking a creative break to focus on the experience there...and there's no easy access to the internet. Have a great week:)

Ryan and James in the Desert

OK, I'm really gearing up for Burning Man and I've been on this desert theme. Anyway, I had a blast shooting these images and I'm looking forward to creating some killer images next week in Black Rock City. Happy Friday. Step outside your comfort zone.

PS Today is my dad's birthday and we are having lunch together and hanging out. Happy Birthday Dad!

Ryan and James in the Desert

I'm still on my desert theme. Enjoy.

Samantha - Bridal Session in the Desert

Here's another image from the desert a few weeks ago. Killer huh? Portable lighting is the bomb!

St Regis Wedding - Monarch Beach

Sonya and Mike had a gorgeous wedding last Saturday at the St Regis Resort. I met Sonya a few years ago when she was a catering manager Mountain Gate Country Club. I photographed a wedding there and she loved the images I created. She called me as soon as she got engaged. What a gift my clients are to me. I wish for them much love and happiness.

The wedding was visually stunning from the flowers to the lighting, from the confetti machines to the snow making machines over the dance floor. Just another day in OC Paradise:)

The wedding was coordinated by Mary Litzsinger and her team at VP Events. Ricardo Luna from Luna Gardens did the floral design and the famous David Robin and his team from David Robin Films captured the day on video. Enjoy the celebration.

The Devil Came on Horseback

I watched this movie yesterday and it made a profound impact on my sense of duty.

I often think, what can one person do? Watch and see how a marine turned photographer finds his voice.

The camera is POWERFUL.

In this unflinching documentary on the genocide in Darfur, former Marine Capt. Brian Steidle is forever transformed by the atrocities he witnesses as a military observer for the African Union. Armed only with his camera, Steidle records the killings of black Africans at the hands of Janjaweed militias funded by Sudan's Arab government. With his bleak photos, Steidle focuses attention on the horrors ignored by the rest of the world.

View the website here. Check out the trailer and rent the movie this week.

Values / Priorities

A man should never neglect his family for business. -Walt Disney

Today, as you relax, spend some time with your family and put aside your work. The work will always be there, but your family will not.

Infrared Test

Life Pixel converted my old D1X to infrared. I'm taking it with me today to play with at a wedding and I did a few test shots yesterday adding my lensbaby. I'm always looking to add creative techniques to my image capturing. Have a great day!

Ryan and James in the Desert

Today's portrait falls into my funky - fresh category. Enjoy.

Samantha - Bridal Session in the Desert

Often, I see life as a combination of fun and fashion. Both influence my image making. Enjoy your assignments.