I met Angel and his family back in February to do family portraits.  Mom had him dressed just like a little man!  He’s the sweetest little boy and takes everything in stride quite well considering most of his time is spent in hospital.  This session was set up by Moment by Moment and I’m happy to be a part of the group.  Mom asked me back recently and it was great to see how much he’d grown.  Once again he was looking quite dapper!  All the best to little Angel and his family.

Last night I got to listen to Joe Buissink speak for a local group of photographers and once again he inspired me.   I met Joe many years ago at a class he was teaching. I’m sure you know how sometimes you can meet a stranger and there is just an instant bond?  That is how I felt with Joe.  He just puts you at ease and when he smiles it’s the kind that comes from deep in his soul.  I only get to see him once in a while but when I do he always picks me up.  I shoot a lot like Joe and when I first met him and he said he was shooting film and the same films I shot with I was thrilled!  Everyone even back then was saying why would you when digital is so much better?  Well, it has its ups and also its downs but this is not a conversation about that.  This is about doing what you are passionate about, giving back to the world and being true to yourself.

Photography is how I make a living to be sure but when I photograph a couple at a wedding, a newborn baby, a huge family reunion or your dog it’s about connecting with these people (or pets) and making a memory for them that I love most.  Making someone happy and sharing what I do with a captured smile, the simple essence of a child’s laugh or the look of admiration and adoration is really what my photography is all about.  I can go through my stacks of albums and remember my grandma’s touch and smile, my mom’s soft glance and smell and the story around the belly laugh of a good friend.  This is what photography brings to the world and what it should feel like in your soul.

Love you Joe!

This years event at Colgin was of course catered by Thomas Keller of French Laundry as usual and again an amazing menu! It’s always fun to watch him and the crew in the kitchen.  The entertainment started with the bartenders!  Don’t believe me, well take a look at them!  From Cirque USA, they really had people entertained including Ryan Seacrest.

It sure doesn’t hurt to go to work when this is your ahem, “office” for the day.

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Sherry and Adam had a fantastic affair at Terra.  The place was gorgeous, the food fantastic and the friends and family of this couple were just wonderful.  I’ve worked Terra before and love the space.   The coordinator was Thanh Cao and I can’t say enough about her.   Then amazing floral design and an incredible water pond for the food by Waterlilly Pond. Then there was DJ Jeremy who had people definitely moving.  This event for me had a ton of details that were unique and beautiful.  So I’ve put them up and hope you enjoy!

All the best in your future together!

I’ve known this family a while now and  I’ve done a few events for them.  What I enjoy is that they actually do think about photographing their celebrations!  Recently it was the 70th birthday of Michael’s father.   The kids and grand-kids were there and it was celebrated with great wines and fantastic food at Boulettes Larder in the Ferry Building.   It was intimate but important and lovely.  If you have an event that has any importance think about having a professional photograph it for you.  That way you have great photos beyond a few snaps taken by the family, you all can relax and enjoy and the memories are captured forever.  Those grand-kids will look back at these images one day and remember Grandpa with the same fondness that they had that very same day.

I recently watched the movie The Cove and it wasn’t easy.  I’ve always loved dolphins since I grew up watching Flipper.  My mom after a while though wouldn’t let me watch anymore because I would always end up crying!  Well, this movie is well done and utterly important and it’s crucial that change happens and soon.  I’ve grown up with animals and not known a day without them since a child.  Whether dogs, cats, cows, horses, birds they are just a cause that is important to me.  Dolphins too.

I have to admit I did do the swim with the dolphins before I knew any of this was happening.  It was the most amazing experience and while I will never forget it I do regret it.  I felt so at peace with these creatures and I know they felt my feelings, admiration and love.  For most of the “swim” there were 3 dolphins that chose to stay with me and 2 that were with the 12 others.  It was amazing, incredible and one of the most inspiring moments of my life.  I know these creatures need to live and breathe and commune in the world with us. Looking into their eyes is a memory I’ll never forget.

Please, please take a moment if you care to The Cove site.  Spread the word!  The sad irony here is that many Japanese don’t know the dolphin kills even take place and sadly dolphins are laden with mercury and their flesh is eaten by their own children and disguised as expensive fish.  Mercury poisoning is preventable and an utterly horrible existence to suffer.  Please take action and share on Twitter, Facebook, your blog and anywhere you can.  Thank you!

I recently had the absolute pleasure of photographing little Angel this week.  He’s a total charmer!  He’s a patient at UCSF unfortunately but they are taking great care of him.  His older brother and mom visit him every day and the nurses just love and pamper him like crazy.  He has the most amazing temperament being confined in a hospital.  I’ve been working with Moment by Moment for years and so highly recommend them and the idea of giving families a chance to photograph their kids in sometimes very difficult situations.  I wish all the best to this wonderful family.  Please visit www.momentbymoment.org and your support is greatly appreciated.