Cup of Joe Photo

Halloween 2008

It is my favorite time of year. The weather is getting cooler, the air is crisp, and there are small children to scare. I'll be spending the day completing my very haunted house, in preparation for brave kids who believe they can handle it. We'll soon find out.... Have a wonderfully frightening Halloween!

5 Weddings and a Workshop

WOW, this month has flown by. I have been away from home for 17 days this month and in 4 different states for weddings and a workshop. I'm really very excited to be home and getting back on a routine of eating healthy and exercising. Traveling so much really takes it toll on me physically. I'm also looking forward to blogging again daily, planning the first Day Trippin' adventure (b school club) and journalling. I've had to let many habits take a backseat to the events I've shot this month, and now I'm getting back on track.

I used to dream of traveling to a new, exotic location every week for weddings. I now know that I would not choose to keep up that pace. It's soooo nice to be home now.

Stay tuned this week for images and insights of the month.

Warmest Blessings, Joe.

Ritz Carlton Wedding

A few weeks ago, I photographed Lauren and Michael's wedding. Amazingly, when Lauren was five years old, she was in my mom's kindergarten class in Mission Viejo, Ca. Through the years my mom has watched her grow into the beautiful young lady she is today. It was really cool to have my parents attending Lauren's wedding as guests. They don't often have the opportunity to see me in action.

Congratulations Lauren and Mike! Here are a few of my favorites from your Big Day.

The Fairmont - Newport Beach - Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing my third same sex wedding a week ago. James and Ryan were married at the newly renovated Fairmont Hotel. I had last shot there years ago when it was still The Sutton Place Hotel. The guys really knew how to throw a party in honor of their commitment. Great food, great wine and great music provided by Sibling Rivalry. Enjoy!

Kelly and Rick are finally Married

I can honestly say that I've known Kelly longer than almost all of the brides I've photographed (with the exception of my sisters). Kelly is the daughter of our very good friends Wade and Diane whom I've known for over 17 years. Ingrid and I enjoyed them as neighbors we remain close friends to this day. They are people I would do almost anything for.

Rick is Kelly's high school sweetheart and they've been together since Kelly was 16. It was a pleasure to finally photograph their wedding. It was also cool being a guest. Mikayla took some pictures of me as we were waiting for cake. She's becoming quite a talented image maker.

Rick and Kelly, we wish you all the best.

Image X ‘08 New Orleans

I'll be in New Orleans teaching (and learning) for the next couple of days for the Image X experience.
I have so much to post when I get back, I'm six wedding behind on posting and I'll be out of town for weddings every weekend this month. October is slammed.

I hope everyone has signed up for [b] school by now. It's a lot more fun than I remember school being.

Have a great week.

Actually, registration is almost closed. Perhaps I'll see you next year.

Open Enrollment Today

Today marks a historic day for the education and networking of photographers. We ARE a community more than we are competitors. As that old wedding classic goes "We are family....". There are so many ways we can HELP each other and use our talents to serve "our family".

Becker and I have a dream, that photographers around the globe will Unite instead of Fight. Many photographers are moving toward this goal for our community and the results are impressive. The [b] school continues to support this effort to make love, not war.

My contribution to the goal of uniting photographers in Southern California and spreading the love is a "Day Trippin'" club on the [b] school. For years, Becker and I have travelled locally for photo field trips to just hang out and shoot for a day. It's been a great way to stir our creativity and deepen our friendship. I'd like to encourage others to enjoy these same benefits and strengthen our community.

We will begin our Day Trippin' adventure on the 2nd Tuesday of November (11th) in Southern California and then we'll trip every other month. I'll pick a location and email club members the details.

Life's a trip, let's enjoy it together.