Cup of Joe Photo

From Russia with Love

Our team just got back from 2 weeks in Russia. I didn't go this year but I got an email when they returned from my friend George (who went) regarding my favorite Russian kid - Arsen. George wrote: 

Hey Joe! :) Sometimes a picture really does speak a thousand words!

When we got to Soligalich, however, Arsen was pissed oh brother let me tell you....
But when later this day we said let's take a photo for Joe, he was super happy.

Hollywood Blvd after midnight

Are you old enough to remember the Missing Person's song "Walking in L.A."?

Marcus and I spent an hour on Hollywood Blvd late Monday night (early tuesday) walking, looking, and shooting in LA, before hitting The Rainbow on Sunset to close out the night. Here's a few images we found.

Walt Disney

All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. - Walt Disney

Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money. - Walt Disney

Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role. - Walt Disney

Melissa + George

While Marcus and I were at Disney Hall on Monday, we meet George and Melissa and asked them if we could shoot some images of them. George is a photographer and the boyfriend of Melissa who's a model. They were awesome and a lot of fun.

One More Shift Tilt

I can't believe I forgot to post this one earlier. It's my favorite. Enjoy.

Homemade Tilt Shift Images

Making a day to play with new lenses is so much fun, and sometimes unexpected. I had the great honor of street shooting with Marcus Bell on Monday. He wanted to visit Disney Hall and shoot around LA. We arrived at Disney Hall and he had his camera bag full of homemade lenses. Like 4 of them to play with. Stoked! I've never been more happy to be a Nikon Shooter. He let me play with them all day. We hit Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Blvd too. Needless to say, we had a great day of shooting. Marcus is doing a program in Jacksonville, Florida tomorrow if you are in that part of the country. Details are here. Go see him! You will certainly be inspired.

Thanks Marcus for sharing your toys!

Disney Hall Images

Disney Hall is a peaceful place for the heart and for the soul. I spent most of Memorial Day on a photo field trip in Los Angeles with a friend from Australia who was in town for the day. The practice of street shooting refocuses my perspective and passion for photography. Though I was just shooting at Disney Hall two weeks ago for our Day Trippin' event, this time there was different and fresh. I suppose you could spend days shooting there and still remain in awe of it's beauty and structure.

Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow's Success

Good morning friends. Happy Memorial Day.

Today, I'm recommending a book that has practical applications that can be easily implemented into your busy lives. John C Maxwell approaches life and business from a pastoral perspective. His daily 12 practices include common sense priorities that we sometimes need to be remind are important to our mind, body and spirit. Topics include insight on attitude, values, health and commitment. At 300 pages, it's an easy read and worth your consideration. Make today matter!

Getting Older

Yesterday I shared with clients the mini-crisis I had when I turned 40. I had an unexpected fit about having a party Ingrid was planning for me, and I made the selfish decision to cancel it. Today I thought I'd share with you some quotes from a humorous email I received on getting older. Some of you may relate. Enjoy.

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:   

'And what do you think is the best thing 

 About being 104?' the reporter asked. 

 She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, 

 So I got my doctor's permission to 

 Join a fitness club and start exercising. 

 I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. 

 I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down,

 and perspired for an hour. But..... 

 By the time I got my leotards on, 

 The class was over.

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. 

 Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

It's scary when you start making the same noises 

 As your coffee maker.

THE SENILITY PRAYER : 

 Grant me the senility to forget the people 

 I never liked anyway, 

The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and 

 The eyesight to tell the difference.

Mountain Gate Country Club Wedding

Kim and James enjoyed a fabulous wedding day at Mountain Gate Country Club in Los Angeles. Their wedding was coordinated by Kary Heimbach of kary h events. Flowers were designed by Sonny Alexander.

Video was captured by my friends at Elysium Productions and Mike Ivey at Pro Audio rocked the Mic and the lighting. Enjoy.